IND vs ZIM: Ravi Bishnoi on Why Team India Lost T20I Series Opener Against Zimbabwe

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has singled out the reason why Team India suffered a 13-run loss to Zimbabwe in the five-match T20I series opener on Saturday (July 6) at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

Chasing a meagre 116 in their first test since being crowned T20 World Cup winners, Shubman Gill-led young Indian side capitualted under pressure and crumbled to 102 all out against Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe.

With very little turnaround time to put behind the defeat, Bishnoi, who did his job with the ball in restricting the opponents to 115/9, has said the team will come back stronger in the second T20I on Sunday (July 7).

"We are trying our best and we need to bounce back stronger. We just need to come back tomorrow (Sunday) with a fresh mind for the second match," Bishnoi said the post-match press conference.

While Bishnoi acknowledged Zimbabwe's bowling and fielding efforts, the spinner blamed the failure to build partnerships with the bat as a big reason for India's defeat in the 1st T20I on Saturday (July 6).

"It was a good game of cricket, but we collapsed, lost continuous wickets. The lack of partnerships made a difference. If we could have had 20-30 runs partnerships, the story could be different," Bishnoi added.

"A partnership would have made the game better for us. We could not do that. I think that made the difference. Zimbabwe's bowling and fielding were really good. They did not allow us to build partnerships."

Bishnoi, who claimed a career-best of 4 for 13 in his four overs, said he is trying to improve his craft in every match and added that it is their responsibility to become the flag bearer after the seniors gave them the responsibility.

"We can learn something from every match. I am trying to learn from every match and get better at what I am doing," Bishnoi said on his own game before he said the team is trying their best to carry on the flag from the seniors.

"It's time for new players. The senior players are retired and handed over the mantle to us. It's our responsibility to take the flight ahead," Bishnoi added.

With the T20 World Cup winners being rested and three seniors calling time on their T20I careers, it presents a great opportunity for the youngsters to cement their places in the team.

India handed three debuts in the series opener against Zimbabwe as Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag made their first international appearance, and Dhruv Jurel played in his first T20I. The trio could be given another shot despite failing in the first T20I.