Zimbabwe faced off against India in the 3rd T20I, where Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad shined at the top of the order before Washington Sundar sealed a 23-run victory. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is, the tour has become an audition for India's top-order batsmen. After Abhishek Sharma's impressive century in the last match, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased their talents as India posted a solid total of 182/4. Washington Sundar's excellent spell of 3/15 earned him the Player of the Match award as India took a 2-1 series lead.
India's batting order saw a reshuffle with four openers in the squad, leading to some players batting out of position. Ruturaj Gaikwad adapted well to his new role in the previous matches, while Jaiswal partnered Gill at the top in the latest game. Despite the top-heavy lineup, India managed to put up a competitive total with contributions from various players. Zimbabwe struggled in their chase, with Washington showcasing his skills with the ball to secure the victory for India.
Gill and Gaikwad's performances have put them in a strong position for future selection, while Jaiswal and Abhishek are also contenders for opening roles. India's depth in batting and bowling options bodes well for the team as they look ahead to the remaining T20Is in the series. Washington's all-round abilities make him a key player on the fringes of the squad, looking to make a mark in the upcoming matches. With solid performances from various players, India's team looks well-balanced and ready for the challenges ahead.