Zimbabwe vs India: India's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI

Zimbabwe and India will lock horns with each other for a three-match ODI series at Harare Sports Club on August 18, 20, and 22nd. The Indian team have already reached Harare and are toiling hard with only a day to go. Zimbabwe team are stepping on to the series after a mammoth ODI series win against Bangladesh.

The squad looks balanced for both the teams. And India are currently favorites to win the series 3-0. However, Zimbabwe player Ryan Burl earlier opined that his team can upset India in the series. Chances, though, aren't too high.

Let's take a look at predicted XI for the first ODI scheduled to take place on August 18, at Harare Sports Club:

Openers - KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan:

KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan (Image Source: Twitter)

KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan might as well open the innings for India. KL Rahul is all set to step on to the field after a long time and will look to do well as an opener. Shikhar Dhawan, on the other hand, had a brilliant ODI series against West Indies. The duo might look to make the most out of the opportunity and set up a strong foundation for India.

Middle Order - Shubhman Gill, Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi

Shubhman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson (Image Source: Twitter)

Shubhman Gill impressed as an opener in the ODI series against the Caribbean alongside Shikhar Dhawan. Sanju Samson played a few handy innings and will look to emulate the same in the ODI series against Zimbabwe as well.

Rahul Tripathi might make his ODI debut against Zimbabwe. Gill at no 3, followed by Tripathi at no 4 and Samson at no. 5 settles the middle order for India. And needless to say, it is extremely strong. The coach and the skipper might back this middle order.

Allrounders - Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel

Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel (Image Source: Twitter)

India found a star in Deepak Hooda and the all-rounder has made the most out of the opportunity. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands. And Axar Patel will look to do well in the Zimbabwe series. Deepak Hooda-Axar Patel duo can threaten the Zimbabwe bowlers. And the duo can also roll their arms over when required for Team India.

Bowlers - Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj (Image Source: Twitter)

Indian bowling department is quite strong this time. Kuldeep Yadav will definitely a part of the set-up given his potential. Deepak Chahar will look to impress on his comeback and will be crucial with the new ball.

Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj will look to be at their best for the series. Prasidh Krishna has impressed a lot of former cricketers and is likely to make the cut for the first game.

India's predicted playing XI for the first ODI against Zimbabwe: KL Rahul (C, WK), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubhman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.