IND vs ZIM: Ashok Sharma gets first India cap, Mayank Yadav returns after 21 months
India handed fast bowler Ashok Sharma a maiden international cap while Mayank Yadav returned to the national side after a 21-month absence as skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to start in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.
The opener of the three-match series marked a significant 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: Update | Scorecard
ASHOK’S QUICK ENTRY
The Rajasthani pacer announced himself in the Indian Premier League in 2026 with a string of eye-catching performances for Gujarat Titans. Working under head coach Ashish Nehra, Ashok impressed with its ability to consistently break the 150 km/h mark while maintaining remarkable control.
His biggest statement came against Rajasthan Royals when he unleashed the fastest delivery of IPL 2026 – a lightning strike of 154.2 kmph to beat Dhruva Jurel at the Narendra Modi Stadium. These performances earned him his first call-up to India and now his international debut. Ashok Sharma gets his first Indian cap in Harare. (Image: Screengrab from X/@BCCI)
MAYANK IS BACK
India also welcomed back express pacer Mayank Yadav, who returned to international cricket after almost two years due to injuries. The Lucknow Super Giants quick last represented India in October 2024 before recurring fitness issues halted his progress.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was also part of India’s playing XI as the visitors continued to invest in young talent during their tour of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe suffered a pre-series injury blow after batsman 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 set to start the series on a positive note against a youthful Indian outfit with several emerging stars.
Concussion SUBS
India also named position-specific concussion replacements ahead of the first T20I against Zimbabwe.
Suryansh Shedge was listed as designated batsman/all-rounder, Prabhsimran Singh as wicketkeeper, Harsh Dubey as spin specialist and Yash Thakur as 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.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
23 Jul 2026 16:49 IST