The Indian team for Zimbabwe tour has been announced, and as expected some big names have been given a much needed rest. But the biggest surprise comes in the form of Ajinkya Rahane as captain.
Harbhajan Singh and Robin Uthappa are two big players, who have made a comeback to the Indian team. Under the leadership of Rahane, the Indian team might not have much experience, but the team comprises players, who have proved their mettle in the domestic circuit.
Manish Pandey and Sandeep Sharma are two new faces in the Indian team. Murali Vijay, who has been incredible in Test matches has found a place in the ODI team. Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Dhawal Kulkarni are some other players, who have booked their flight for the Zimbabwe tour.
But with MS Dhoni's absence, it is interesting to see as to who will get the nod for keeping wickets. Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav are three players capable of keeping wickets for India.
The Indian team looks new as popular and big guns such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shikhar Dhawan among others have been given some rest.
These players were involved in a gruelling season with India's tour of Australia, followed by the World Cup (WC) in Australia and New Zealand. They did not have much time to rest after WC as well, as they had to participate in the energy sapping IPL, which was again followed by India's tour of Bangladesh.
India's tour of Zimbabwe had earlier come into dark clouds as there were reports suggesting that the tour might be cancelled.
The team, which has been announced will give it their all in the Zimbabwe tour, which includes three ODIs and two T20 matches. These players, who have been given a chance by the Indian selectors need to create an impression and grab the opportunity with both hands.
Team Squad for the Zimbabwe tour
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Twiary, Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Harbhajan Singh, Axar Patel, Karn Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma.
