IND vs ZIM: Sai Sudharsan all set to make debut for India in place of bowler Khaleel Ahmed; fans react

It was shocking to see the team that became the T20 World Champions about a week ago face a surprising defeat against Zimbabwe in the same format just 24 hours ago. The young Indian side, playing in this five-match series, will now look to regain confidence and put the first loss behind them as they take on the host nation in the 2nd T20I at the same venue.

ALSO READ | IND vs ZIM: Zimbabwe upsets India; secures 13-run victory after visitors collapse to 102 all-out

At the toss, which India won, they decided to bat first on the same pitch as yesterday. Shubman Gill said, "Going to bat first, same wicket as yesterday. Best opportunity for us to bat. Looks dry, it's a nice sunny day. Need to improve our batting." When asked about any changes, the captain mentioned that Sai Sudharsan is coming in place of Khaleel Ahmed, and fans celebrated the young gun's debut.

A day to remember for T20I Debutant Sai Sudharsan 💙

He receives his T20I cap 🧢 from Captain Shubman Gill ahead of the second T20I 👏👏

Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/yO8XjNpOro… #ZIMvIND#TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/9XfRBVT1Im

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 7, 2024

Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to discuss India's decision to bat first on the same pitch as yesterday and the inclusion of one more batter and one less bowler.

Said Sudharsan making his India debut today

All 4 of India's top 4 today are now players who mostly open in all the T20I teams they play for: Shubman, Abhishek, Sai & Ruturaj#ZIMvIND

— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) July 7, 2024

Exciting change in today's lineup! Sai Sudharsan steps in for Khaleel against Zimbabwe.

Let's cheer him on!💥 pic.twitter.com/tszw4T5lDk

— Nicky (@iemnic) July 7, 2024

Interesting change. Sai Sudharsan makes his debut, which means Abhishek bats in the middle order, because I can't see a scenario where Gaikwad bats below 3 (and rightfully so).
And this change was possible because India have the luxury of multiple bowling options in the top 6.

— Shaan Waseem (@shaanwaseem2) July 7, 2024

As for Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza said, "Looks like a summer wicket, the pitch will get better. We wanted to bowl first anyway. The changing room is relaxed and happy. Taking one game at a time, we are here for a reason, will try to get our job done. Blessing has been good, Chatara delivers for us. He has come right more often than not for the team."

ALSO READ | IND vs ZIM: Disappointed fans tell Rinku Singh, 'This is why Shivam Dube was in T20 World Cup squad'

In the first clash, the Men in Blue fell short by 13 runs, needing only 116 to chase. Ravi Bishnoi was in good form, claiming four wickets, but the Indian batting order collapsed in the second innings as Tendai Chatara and Raza took three wickets apiece to secure the win for their side.

🚨 Toss Update 🚨#TeamIndia elect to bat in the 2nd T20I.

One change in the Playing XI as Sai Sudharsan makes his T20I Debut 👏👏

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/yO8XjNpOro#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/IRQUvxEd3O

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 7, 2024

Squads:

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande(w), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

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