PROUD: Riyan Parag becomes first male cricketer from NE to play for India, to bat at number 4 against Zimbabwe

Digital Desk: Riyan Parag has made history as he became the first cricketer from Northeast India to debut for the senior Indian team.

In the upcoming first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday (July 6), Riyan Parag, along with Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel, will make their T20I debuts for India.

India, having won the toss, has chosen to field first. The match is set to kick off at 4:30 PM (IST).

Shubman Gill will lead a youthful Indian squad against Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series. The series opener between IND and ZIM is set to take place at Harare Sports Club on Saturday (July 6), commencing at 4:30 pm IST.

The Indian team includes several promising IPL performers, with the possibility of some making their debut in today's inaugural match. Without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20I setup, Ruturaj Gaikwad from Chennai Super Kings and Abhishek Sharma from SRH are expected to open the batting for India. Captain Shubman Gill is anticipated to occupy the crucial number 3 position.

Following Gill, Riyan Parag is likely to bat at number 4, while Rinku Singh is slated to bat at number 5 as the team's finisher. Jitesh Sharma is expected to take on the wicketkeeping duties.

India may opt for two spinners, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi, for the first T20I against Zimbabwe. Sundar not only strengthens the bowling attack but also provides depth to the batting lineup. India's pace bowling trio might feature Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar.

India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar.

Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Alexander Raza (captain), Wesley Madhewere, Clive Madande (wk), Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarawa.