India begins a three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe that carries far more significance than the opposition and setting might suggest.
The reigning T20 World Cup champions have not won a match in the format since lifting the trophy in March, a run of six consecutive defeats that took in a 2-0 sweep by Ireland and a 4-0 defeat by England.
That collapse cost India their world No. 1 ranking and prompted a BCCI review, leaving Shreyas Iyer under considerable pressure, having lost both series since taking charge as captain.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrive fresh from a home series against Bangladesh and will believe there is a genuine opening. Sikandar Raza’s side have never won a bilateral T20I series against India, but they have rarely faced them at a lower ebb.
With the LA 2028 Olympic qualification cycle also running through this year’s rankings, these matches matter more than a routine tour. Here is everything you need to know about the series.
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Zimbabwe vs India T20 series start date
The three-match series begins on Thursday, July 23, at the Harare Sports Club and concludes at the same venue on Sunday, July 26. All three fixtures will be played in the Zimbabwean capital.
Both sides come into the series seeking momentum. Zimbabwe hosted Bangladesh for a T20I series earlier this month, while India is searching for their first win in the format in four months.
Zimbabwe vs India T20 series schedule
DateMatchVenueISTThu, Jul 231st T20IHarare Sports Club4:30 PMSat, Jul 252nd T20IHarare Sports Club4:30 PMSun, Jul 263rd T20IHarare Sports Club4:30 PM
Zimbabwe vs India T20 series squads and team news
The BCCI named Shreyas Iyer as captain with Tilak Varma as his deputy, and the squad reflects a clear decision to rotate. Sanju Samson has been rested, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returns after being dropped for the final T20I against England.
India has been forced into one change already. The BCCI confirmed Ravi Bishnoi as a replacement for Varun Chakaravarthy, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour.
Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma have earned maiden call-ups, while Harsh Dubey and Prabhsimran Singh will hope for debuts. Rinku Singh returns for the first time since the World Cup, as does Mayank Yadav, who last played for India in late 2024.
Zimbabwe named a settled 15-player squad under Raza, retaining the core that has served them in recent home series. Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brian Bennett headline a group with considerable experience of conditions at the venue.
India T20I squad: Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma (vc), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav
Zimbabwe T20I squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande (wk), Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba
Zimbabwe vs India T20 series live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch the Zimbabwe vs India T20I series in India:
- TV channel: Unite8 Sports
- Live stream: FanCode
All three matches will be available to stream live through the FanCode app and website for fans in India. Unite8 Sports will telecast the match live for those who want to view it on TV.
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