MS Dhoni will look to his left, right and everywhere else and see a lot of unfamiliar faces in an India jersey. Getting them to play to their potential and will be Dhoni's biggest challenge and role as India begin their tour of Zimbabwe with the first ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
A lot has been said and written about India's young squad that has been picked for this limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, and now is the time for those bats and white cherries to do the talking. Several members of the squad have played for India before, know what it is like to don that blue jersey, while there are quite a few, who will be wearing that India cap for the first time.
Get the second ODI live streaming information HERE
The most interesting aspect from this series will be to see how these players – of the fringes and the debutants – cope with the pressure of playing for their country. There are much bigger matches in international cricket than ODIs and T20s against Zimbabwe, but it is an international series against an opposition capable of beating India, and Dhoni will want to see who copes with the pressure the best.
Get the report and final score of the match HERE
One of those India players likely to make his debut in this first ODI, or at least sometime on this six-match tour, is Yuzvendra Chahal, one of the most impressive bowlers of IPL 2016, and the man who Virat Kohli looks to for wickets in the middle overs. Chahal's challenge will be to gain that trust of Dhoni as well, that he can be that man in ODI and international cricket.
"As a player when you go through the rigours of the sport you are playing, representing your country is always your primary goal," Chahal told BCCI's official website. "I have been waiting for this moment for a long time now.
"It was my dream to wear the Indian jersey and I am excited to play my first match. I am excited to do well in Zimbabwe."
Zimbabwe are going through a few changes as well, with Hamilton Masakadza dropped as captain and Dav Whatmore let go as the coach. Just how Graeme Cremer and Makhaya Ntini, the new captain and coach, will go will be an interesting subplot from Zimbabwe's perspective. As far as India are concerned, though, it is all about the youngsters.
Where to Watch Live
India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI is scheduled for a 12.30 p.m. IST (9 a.m. local time, 8 a.m. BST, 3 a.m. ET) start. Viewers in India can watch the match live on Ten 3 and Ten 1 HD, with the online live streaming option on TenSports Live.
Audience in the US can watch the 1st ODI live on Willow TV, while the match can be live streamed on Willow TV Online.
