All-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag, along with pacer Tushar Deshpande, have shared their excitement and thoughts on receiving their maiden call-ups to Team India ahead of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, which starts on July 6, 2024.
The five-match series kicks off at the Harare Sports Club, where all matches will be played, concluding on July 14.
Abhishek Sharma’s Reaction
Abhishek Sharma, who had a standout Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with 484 runs in 16 games at a striking rate of 204.21 and 42 sixes, spoke about his reaction to the selection. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Abhishek mentioned a special call he received. “I received a call from Shubman Gill, my Punjab teammate, who is also the captain on this tour. After the selection, I felt very good. Before my interview, when I reached home, my parents were giving interviews. I felt proud,” he shared.
He further added, “Ever since I started from day one, I had the dream of playing for India. I knew if I kept working hard, I would get an opportunity but did not know I would go outside India, to Zimbabwe. This feels like a reunion.”
Riyan Parag’s Excitement
Riyan Parag, who excelled in the IPL by becoming the third-highest run-scorer with 573 runs in 16 matches, including four half-centuries, humorously shared his overwhelming excitement about the call-up. “Ever since I was a kid, it was a dream to travel like this. Though we play matches, traveling, wearing Indian clothes, is a dream,” Parag expressed. He recounted a funny incident, “It is a new team, almost, a lot of new and old faces. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of it. There will be a special connection with Zimbabwe. I was so excited that I misplaced my passport and phone.”
Tushar Deshpande’s Sentiments
Pacer Tushar Deshpande spoke about his feelings as he embarked on this new journey. “The firsts are always special as we all say, same for me because playing for the country is very special. Travelling with the team, and getting to know them is important. The fun we have during travels is also important,” Deshpande concluded.
Squad Adjustments
In addition to these new faces, BCCI announced the inclusion of opener Sai Sudharsan, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and pacer Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is. The original trio’s departure was delayed from Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl, making them unavailable for the initial games.
India’s and Zimbabwe’s Squads
India’s squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Abhishek Sharma
- Rinku Singh
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Nitish Reddy
- Riyan Parag
- Washington Sundar
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Kumar
- Tushar Deshpande
India’s squad for the 1st & 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Abhishek Sharma
- Rinku Singh
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Riyan Parag
- Washington Sundar
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Kumar
- Tushar Deshpande
- Sai Sudharsan
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Harshit Rana
Zimbabwe’s squad for T20I series against India:
- Sikandar Raza (captain)
- Akram Faraz
- Bennett Brian
- Campbell Johnathan
- Chatara Tendai
- Jongwe Luke
- Kaia Innocent
- Madande Clive
- Madhevere Wessly
- Marumani Tadiwanashe
- Masakadza Wellington
- Mavuta Brandon
- Muzarabani Blessing
- Myers Dion
- Naqvi Antum
- Ngarava Richard
- Shumba Milton
As the Indian squad prepares to kick off the series in Harare, both teams are gearing up for a competitive and exciting set of matches.
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