ZIM vs. IND 2024: Why is Riyan Parag sitting out the third T20 International?

A change in team balance was expected with the return of the three Indian players, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube, who formally joined the side in Zimbabwe a few days prior to Wednesday’s third Twenty20 international match. This was long delayed, as Dube played all eight games, bowling in just the match against the USA, whereas Samson and Jaiswal did not play a single game during the USA and West Indies’ winning T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

Shubman Gill, who had won the toss and chosen to bat, declared they would take advantage of the track’s moisture and claimed confidence in having picked a squad that was evenly balanced. While Mukesh is being rested, Khaleel rejoins the starting lineup. Gill also disclosed that Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag will be replaced, respectively, by seasoned players Jaiswal, Samson, and Dube. It is anticipated that these like-for-like replacements will strengthen the Indian squad even more for the match.

Given his intense IPL seasons a few months before, when he amassed 573 runs in 14 innings, Riyan Parag was undoubtedly one of the most noteworthy alterations.

He struggled in the first match and was not given the opportunity to bat in the second. After a badly executed on-the-up drive that only reached mid-off, he was out for just two runs.

“We’ll take the pitch first. Hopefully, we’ll benefit from the precipitation. Sanju, Jaiswal, and Shivam are back in the WC. Khaleel is also resting, while Mukesh does so. Gill said, “We think we have a balanced side,” during the coin toss.

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India’s playing XI in the third T20I against Zimbabwe:

 Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed