The Indian selectors as expected named an inexperienced side for the Zimbabwe tour and some of them will be looking to cement their spots in the limited overs squads in the future. Zimbabwe on the other hand, will look to start off the new season with some impressive performances after changing their backroom staff. What does the future have in store for some of these players? As you sit down to pick your fantasy teams, here are some of the players you must keep an eye on:
Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu has constantly found himself in and out of the side over the years. He had a decent tournament in the IPL with Mumbai Indians but could have certainly done a lot better. Nevertheless, another opportunity has presented itself in this tour and it is time for him to give the selectors headache when they sit down to pick India’s next ODI squad.
He will likely bat at No.5 or could even get to bat at No. 4 and is valued at 6500 in the fantasy. Having already scored a century in this country on his previous tour, you can certainly keep an eye on him and pick him in your side.
Faiz Fazal
The selectors sprung a massive surprise by picking 30-year-old Faiz Fazal for this tour. The call up wasn’t expected by the batsman’s own admission. He didn’t even have an IPL contract but had a good outing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy averaging more than 50 in the tournament. He also scored a century in Rest of India’s stunning chase against Ranji Champions Mumbai recently.
He is likely to open the batting in Zimbabwe and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him if he goes on to have a good outing. He costs 6500 rupees in the fantasy.
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Kedar Jadhav
Imagine not being picked even once after scoring your maiden ODI ton! Kedar Jadhav returns to Zimbabwe one year after he made a mark but the big question is will he left alone without any answers yet again? He will likely be the finisher at No.6 and with Suresh Raina currently not being considered, this could prove to be an ideal opportunity for Jadhav to impress the selectors.
If he can score a few crucial runs at the death, then this time he won’t leave the selectors with much of a choice but to retain him. He is a designated wicket-keeper in the game and is valued at 4500 rupees.
Hamilton Masakadza
The home fans will be keeping an eye on Hamilton Masakadza without a doubt. Not just because he is a big-hitter at the top of the order who can cause considerable damage but also because it remains to be seen how he responds to getting stripped off the captaincy.
The right-hander would be eager to prove a point to the selectors and there is no better way to make a statement than by making runs against the world’s most followed cricket team in your own backyard. He is priced quite high in the game at 8000 rupees.
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Manish Pandey
Not many players on this tour are going to be under pressure since they are all either newcomers or fringe cricketers who know they could be forced out of the side despite putting up some good performances. But in the case of Manish Pandey, it is quite different. After scoring a scintillating ton against Australia earlier this year, many believe he has sealed his spot in the side for a while.
But with the likes of Jadhav, Rayudu and Karun Nair lurking around, it is never safe. A dull tournament for Pandey can see him getting the axe. At 7000 rupees, he is the third most valued batsman in the fantasy.
KL Rahul
With almost 400 runs in the IPL with an outstanding strike rate of 146, KL Rahul has certainly proved that he is ready for limited overs cricket. The selectors have now given him the ideal platform to express himself and considering the fact he will likely open the innings, the likes of Shikhar Dhawan will have to watch out.
Rahul also gives you the additional option of being a wicket-keeper and that could prompt the selectors to retain him if he puts up a few good performances. He is available on the cheap at just 4500 rupees in the fantasy.
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Karun Nair
Here is another player who is very eager to make a mark international cricket. His call up has been coming for a while after he put in some impressive performances in the domestic circuit. His knocks for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL finally forced the selectors to squeeze him in. It will be interesting to see where he bats in the order though.
Considering his sound technique, he can definitely become another reliable top order batsman for India but he will have to grab his chances though since India aren’t playing a lot of ODI cricket this year. He costs 6000 rupees in the fantasy and for that amount, he can give you great returns.
Yuzvendra Chahal
With Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh not having age on their side, India are looking out for their next big spinner apart from Ravichandran Ashwin. Fans get a feeling that the team depends a lot on Ashwin at times in limited overs cricket but if Chahal can make an impression on the international stage, then the burden can be shared.
The leg-spinner has been doing well in the IPL over the years and no wonder he will cost the users 7000 rupees in the fantasy if they want his services.
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Elton Chigumbura
Not many Zimbabwean players will make this list but do keep an eye on Elton Chigumbura. The all-rounder scored a century against the same side at almost this time last year and more often than not, he steps up when the rest have failed. He can also contribute with the ball as he has picked up more than 100 wickets so far in his ODI career.
At 8000 rupees, no wonder he is among the costliest all-rounders in the fantasy but considering his services will be required on both fronts, users can splash the cash on him.
Jaydev Unadkat
After quietly slipping out of the radar, he is back in the national team yet again. Unadkat picked up totally five wickets in the Irain Cup tie but played only one IPL game this season for Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite that, the selectors have shown faith and have taken him to Zimbabwe.
He costs only 5000 rupees in the fantasy and has to fight off competition from Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah and Barinder Sran for a place in the playing XI. With India’s pace lineup changing constantly in limited overs cricket, no wonder this series is important for many.
DISCLAIMER: The article just contains suggestions and Sportskeeda are not responsible or liable for the outcome.
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