India likely XI vs Zimbabwe: India face a selection conundrum as they get set to take on Zimbabwe in the third T20I of the series. After a shock loss in the opening match of the series, the Indian cricket team made a remarkable comeback in the second contest, winning it by 100 runs with centurion Abhishek Sharma stealing the show. India would look to go 2-1 up in the series with a win in the third T20I. Ideally, the Men in Blue would be keen on sticking to the winning combination, but changes to India's playing XI for the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe are on the cards after T20 World Cup-winning stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson joined the squad. India’s T20 World Cup 2024-Winning Stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube Train Hard Ahead of IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I 2024 (Watch Video).

While batting let India down big time in the first T20I, it came good in the second contest where the Men in Blue hammered the Zimbabwe bowlers all around the park, especially towards the end stages of the first innings, to score a massive total of 234/2. That set up the foundation for India to win the match and level the series. The Shubman Gill-led side will head into the third T20I with a lot of confidence as well as momentum and it will be interesting to see what their playing XI looks like. IND vs ZIM Match, Harare Weather, Rain Forecast and Pitch Report: Here’s How Weather Will Behave for India vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I 2024 at Harare Sports Club.

Top-Order: With Yashasvi Jaiswal back in the mix again, the Indian team would be tempted to have him at the top of the order, preferably as one of the two openers. In that case, one of Shubman Gill or Abhishek Sharma would have to demoted to number three. With Abhishek Sharma in red-hot form, the Indian team would be keen on having him open the innings with Yashasvi should the latter be picked and have Shubman Gill bat at number three.

Middle-Order: If Shubman Gill drops down to number three, Ruturaj Gaikwad will walk out to bat at number four for the Indian cricket team. The right-hander played a brilliant knock of 77* runs in the last game and would be keen to carry on his good form. Riyan Parag will then slot in to bat at number five, with Sai Sudharsan not around. Rinku Singh might also receive a promotion like he did last game, where he smashed 48 runs off only 22 balls. Team India Enjoys Wildlife Tour in Harare Ahead of IND vs ZIM 3rd T20I 2024 (See Post).

Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel made his debut in the opening match of the series and has been impressive behind the stumps so far. India do have the option of including Sanju Samson in the Indian playing XI but with Jurel going good so far, the chances of that happening are slim.

All-Rounders: Washington Sundar, like the first two T20Is, is set to be the only designated all-rounder of the Indian cricket team's playing XI. Besides Sundar, Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma can also roll their arms over for a couple of overs if needed.

Bowlers: Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan were superb in the second T20I and would continue to be part of the Indian playing XI. Both pacers picked three wickets each in the last game and were also impressive in the series opener, which India lost. In the spin-bowling department, Sundar would be partnering Ravi Bishnoi.

India Playing XI for 3rd T20I Against Zimbabwe

Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2024 11:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).