IND vs ZIM: Will Abhishek Sharma Make India Debut As Opener Against Zimbabwe in 1st T20I?

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All-rounder Abhishek Sharma earned his maiden call up to the senior Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, starting from Saturday (July 6) in Harare.

The Punjab player, who had a terrific Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, was named in the Indian squad that flew to Zimbabwe on Monday (July 1) night.

Abhishek scored 484 runs in 16 innings at an incredible strike rate of 204.21 during SRH's run to the IPL 2024 Final, where his team lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. The southpaw struck 3 quickfire fifties as well as 42 sixes and 36 fours in the season.

A fruitful IPL season, which also followed a brilliant domestic season with Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy where he finished the second highest run-getter with 485 runs in 10 innings, Abhishek deservingly received his call up into the national team.

While he has been picked in the squad, the chances of him featuring in the playing 11 may have been harder with the likes of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal already part of the group as openers.

However, the 23-year-old's chances of making debut in his desired opening slot may have received a huge boost thanks to Team India T20 World Cup-winning team's departure delay from the Caribbean.

Will Abhishek Sharma Make India Debut As Opener Against Zimbabwe in 1st T20I?

With Jaiswal set to miss the first two matches in Zimbabwe along with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, the likes of Abhishek and Riyan Parag, who earned their first call up to the national team are in line to make their debut.

Sai Sudharasan, Harshit Rana and Jitesh Sharma have been named as replacements for Jaiswal, Dube and Samson. Although Sudharsan can come in as the opener, Abhishek may be handed the opening slot alongside Gaikwad with Gill batting at number 3 in the first 2 games.

Abhishek Sharma also adds advantage with his left-arm orthodox bowling, which the Indian team will lack in the absence of Axar Patel and the recently retired Ravindra Jadeja. So, the Punjab all-rounder can also find a place in the playing 11 due to his versatility.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif also is hopeful of seeing Abhishek in India colours soon, saying the youngster has worked hard with legend Yuvraj Singh in the past few years.

"Very excited to see this young man in India colors soon. Has worked very hard with @YUVSTRONG12 in the past few years. All the best, Abhishek!" Kaif posted on X.