Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran opener, believes the series against Zimbabwe will help KL Rahul prepare for the Asia Cup while also appreciating the young players who are travelling with the team.
Prior to Rahul's inclusion in the team, Dhawan was previously scheduled to captain the team in Zimbabwe. Rahul, who is fully well again, will take charge of the team in an effort to give him some much-needed match experience.
The 30-year-time old's on the sidelines has been extended by Covid-19 because to a sports hernia that has kept him from playing. Rahul was supposed to lead India in the domestic T20Is against South Africa following the end of the IPL 2022, but he was forced to withdraw due to a groyne injury.
When it became known that he would need surgery, the period of time spent on the sidelines was prolonged. The right-hander consequently missed the tour of England and Ireland.
The opener was supposed to return for the tour of the West Indies and the United States, but the BCCI medical staff advised him to rest after a positive Covid-19 result. Rahul has already been included on India's roster for the Asia Cup at the end of this month, aside from Zimbabwe.
"KL returning to the team and taking the lead is excellent news. It's a wonderful outing for him, and I'm sure he will gain a lot from this tour," Dhawan remarked on Rahul's return, ahead of the series. Rahul is one of the key members of the Indian team, and with the Asia Cup quickly approaching, it's a good outing for him.
With so much skill, there is fierce rivalry for spots on the Indian squad, especially at the top. Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are just a few of the players pushing for a spot in the lineup, where Shikhar Dhawan will be paired with KL Rahul for the three-match ODI series between August 18 and 22.
When asked how young people approached things differently from him, Dhawan was all praise.
"They have a lot of self-assurance, and everybody is unique. They use effective technique, "added the seasoned cricketer.
"Domestic cricket and the IPL have greatly aided the Indian team's transition. Because of their great degree of confidence, they fit in with international cricket so well " he added.
India will face a Zimbabwean team that is fired up after winning the ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh. The 36-year-old Dhawan hailed the hosts and asserted that a Zimbabwean team in excellent form will present a good challenge for the guests.
It's wonderful that they beat Bangladesh, and I'm sure that's because they played well, so it's good for us. It'll keep us on our toes, and we can't take anything for granted or lightly," he continued.
For the significance of the ODI format, the left-handed batter also batted.
We've been playing it for a long time, and I like playing it. "It's a wonderful format. It's quite a balanced game where you need know when to attack and when to defend.