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India handed a maiden international cap to fast bowler Ashok Sharma, while Mayank Yadav returned to the national side after a 21-month absence as captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.
The opening match of the three-game series marked a major milestone for Ashok, whose remarkable rise over the past year has made him one of India's brightest fast-bowling prospects.
India vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I: Updates | Scorecard
ASHOK'S RAPID RISE
The Rajasthan pacer announced himself in the 2026 Indian Premier League with a string of eye-catching performances for Gujarat Titans. Working under head coach Ashish Nehra, Ashok impressed with his ability to consistently breach the 150 kph mark while maintaining remarkable control.
His biggest statement came against Rajasthan Royals, when he unleashed the fastest delivery of IPL 2026 - a 154.2 kph thunderbolt that beat Dhruv Jurel at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Those performances earned him a maiden India call-up and, now, his international debut.
MAYANK RETURNS
India also welcomed back express pacer Mayank Yadav, who returned to international cricket after nearly two years out due to injuries. The Lucknow Super Giants quick last represented India in October 2024 before recurring fitness issues stalled his progress.
Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was also included in India's playing XI as the visitors continued to invest in young talent during the Zimbabwe tour.
Zimbabwe suffered an injury setback ahead of the series opener after batter Milton Shumba was ruled out of the three-match T20I series with a right hamstring injury.
The hosts named Innocent Kaia as Shumba's replacement, while Sikandar Raza's side looked to begin the series on a positive note against a youthful Indian outfit featuring several emerging stars.
CONCUSSION SUBS
India also named position-specific concussion substitutes ahead of the first T20I against Zimbabwe.
Suryansh Shedge was listed as the designated batter/all-rounder, Prabhsimran Singh as the wicketkeeper, Harsh Dubey as the specialist spinner and Yash Thakur as the pace-bowling replacement.
TEAM NEWS
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanshe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
