After nearly five months, India returned to winning ways and defeated Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Thursday (July 23). India were on a six-match losing streak since winning the 2026 T20 World Cup. A second-string Ireland whitewashed India 2-0. England defeated India 4-0 in the five-match series to add to their woes. India finally snapped their losing streak by registering a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the series opener. Despite the win, Aakash Chopra questioned the Indian team management, headed by VVS Laxman, and captain Shreyas Iyer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra asked why they only selected four bowlers in the playing XI. “When the Indian team was selected, only four bowlers were there – Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi. Who was the fifth? Shivam Dube. Who was the sixth? No one. India made up their mind to play without a sixth bowler,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Shivam Dube gave only 32 runs in four overs, and he gets a wicket in his first over these days. A catch was taken in the deep. Him being made to bowl four overs and going with only four bowlers means India is investing a lot of faith in Shivam Dube. I think that’s a massive thing,” he added.
Shivam Dube, who was India’s fifth bowler, went for 32 runs in his four-over spell. He scalped the big wicket of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.
Why VVS Laxman is coaching Team India?
The Indian fans were surprised to see VVS Laxman in the Indian team’s dugout during the first T20I. The BCCI has sent him and his coaching staff to the African nation. The apex board has rested Gautam Gambhir. Laxman will also coach India in the Asian Games 2026. Gambhir will make his return for the away Test series against Sri Lanka, to be played in August.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Aakash Chopra. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of ‘intent’ remain those of the creator.