Deepak Chahar returns as India elect to bowl vs Zimbabwe

India won the toss and elect to bowl first against Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI of the 3-match series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday. All eyes will be on Indian skipper KL Rahul‘s form and fitness as he returns to the Indian set-up after a two-month lay-off, during which he underwent a hernia surgery and also tested positive for coronavirus. 

“We will bowl first. Looks like a good wicket, it’s an early start, so could have a bit of moisture. Good opportunity to bowl first and exploit the first hour. A lot of guys have got opportunities, good chance to challenge yourself and your skills. Looking forward to a good show. He (Deepak Chahar) was unfortunate to miss out for a long time, excited for a few coming back after injuries,” KL Rahul, who made his ODI debut in Harare in 2016, said after winning the toss.

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For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva and Innocent Kaia will try to replicate their batting performances from the Bangladesh tour. 

“We would have bowled first as well, but this looks like a good wicket and will stay true for the rest of the day. It’s something we’ve spoken about (about top-order collapses), looking to sort it out. We’ve got Ngarva and Marumani coming in,” skipper Regis Chakabva said on Thursday.

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India (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul(c), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson(w), Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj  

Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Sean Williams, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (capt & wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Bradley Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava