Skipper KL Rahul’s form and fitness will be observed keenly when India take on Zimbabwe in a three-match series, starting Thursday (August 18), in 50-over format, which is fast losing popularity and struggling to retain its identity. Supposed to be one of the most vital cogs in India's T20 World Cup top-order, Rahul would like to make full use of the game time he gets as an opener during the three games against Regis Chakabva’s side.


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Rahul’s immediate task at hand after a two-month lay-off, during which he underwent a sports hernia surgery, is to keep his opening slot in T20 cricket and adapt to the team’s philosophy of going hell for leather from ball one. It won't just be about runs that skipper Rohit Sharma or coach Rahul Dravid would be looking at when they monitor Rahul’s performance in Zimbabwe.


Rather they would like to check out his approach and the manner in which he is scoring runs, something he would need to tweak before that first Asia Cup game against Pakistan on August 28. On the Harare Sports Club batting belters where Zimbabwe chased down Bangladesh's 300 plus and 290-odd targets in successive games in the recently-concluded series, India's batting line-up with Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson will certainly prove to be more than a handful for hosts.



And unlike Bangladesh, a bowling attack comprising Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav along with all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel has more potency in any conditions against this Zimbabwe line-up.


For Zimbabwe, the aim would be to become the proverbial banana peel on which Rahul and his men can slip as a series win for ‘Men in Blue’ would hardly win them any accolades but a defeat would invite sharp criticism.


Match Details


When will the India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match be played?


The India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match will be played on Thursday (August 18).


Where will the India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match be played?


The India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match will be played at the Harare Sports Club.


What time will the India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match start?


The India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match will start at 1245 PM IST.


How can I watch India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match on TV in India?


The India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match will be available on Sony Sports Network in India.


How can I follow the live streaming of the India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match?


The India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI match will be streamed live on SonyLiv website and app.