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India have made one change to their playing 11 for the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare, resting Avesh Khan to give Tushar Deshpande a debut.
Skipper Shubman Gill didn't mention the need for a tactical change or any injuries which suggested that the Men in Blue have rested the senior pacer to give Deshpande his first international opportunity.
India lead the five T20I series 2-1 after two massive wins in the last two games. Avesh was one of the best bowlers in all three games, taking six wickets (the joint-highest) at an average of 13.83.
Deshpande had an excellent season with Chennai Super Kings, picking up 17 wickets in 13 matches to back up his 21-wicket haul in IPL 2023. He swings the new ball and can trouble the best batters on his day, alongside an ability to take wickets in clusters.
India playing 11: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Khaleel Ahmed.
I can prove myself in Test cricket: Avesh Khan
Before the match, Avesh gave an interview to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, speaking about various topics like how Jasprit Bumrah has helped him and how Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new head coach can impact the team.
On his personal ambitions, he spoke passionately about Test cricket.
“I’m very excited for Test cricket as I feel it’s a format where I can prove myself which I’ve done for my state team, India A or while Duleep, Deodhar trophy. I’m waiting for that chance as there’s a different kind of fun playing Test cricket.
"I love to bowl with the red ball as I bowl around 20-25 overs in a day for my state team as well. In the entire season, I bowl around 300-350 overs so I’m looking forward for a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format,” he said.
Avesh was part of India's 2024 T20 World Cup squad but was released early. Unless India suffer a big defeat in the fourth T20I, he'll now probably be seen in action against Sri Lanka in the upcoming tour in August.
