India have included Ashok Sharma in their playing XI for the opening T20I against Zimbabwe, handing the player his first international cap.

The decision to give Ashok Sharma a debut comes as India also chose to bowl first in the match.

Team News and Debuts

Ashok Sharma will make his T20I debut for India in this encounter.

On the other side, Zimbabwe have named two new faces in their line-up for the same game.

Zimbabwe’s New Players

Zimbabwe handed debuts to batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri.

These changes mark the first international appearances for both Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri in the T20I format.

The opening T20I therefore features three players earning their maiden caps across the two sides.

Match Context

India’s choice to bowl first sets the tone for how the opening T20I will begin.

With Ashok Sharma making his debut and Zimbabwe introducing Ben Curran plus Newman Nyamhuri, the match carries added significance for the newcomers.

The series between the two teams provides the platform for these debuts to take place.

India hand Ashok Sharma a debut and bowl in opening T20I while Zimbabwe introduce Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri.

All three debutants will now look to make an immediate impact on their first outing at this level.