The last time India toured Zimbabwe, the minnows handed the visitors, not one but two defeats. India is sure to be smarting from the memories of those two ignominous defeats and will want to avenge itself this time around.
A young Indian side, which is being led by a young Virat Kohli in the absence of M S Dhoni will want to acquit itself well in its first challenge. For Kohli, who took over the mantle of Captaincy in the triangular series in West Indies, this will be a rather new challenge considering how he'll not be able to turn to Dhoni in the dressing room for guidance. India will also be aware that to underestimate its opponent will only lead to its downfall. In the history of sport, if there is one quality that has proved to be the undoing of strong sides, it is complacency and India will do well to keep a fair distance from that evil.
Once a reasonably strong side that boasted the likes of truly remarkable players in Andy Flower, Heath Streak, etc., Zimbabwe has now been reduced to a side that is considered a pushover in international cricket. That is not to say that it is found wanting in talent. Here is a list of some confrontations that one can expect in the tournament opener.
Ravindra Jadeja VS Brendan Taylor
In the absence of Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja will be the fulceum of the Indian bowling line-up. The crafty left-arm spinner has been amongst the wickets and will play a pivotal role in providing the key breakthroughs for India. If Kohli decides to take a leaf out of Dhoni's book and introduces Jadeja at an earlier stage in the innings, the move might well yield the desired results. On the other hand, Zimbabwe's Captain and arguably its best batsman, Brendan Taylor will hope to deliver the goods for his team with the willow. With his sound technique, he might prove to be a handful for Jadeja.
Vinay Kumar VS Vusi Sibanda
With Ishant, Bhuvneshwar and Yadav earning a well deserved rest, the burden of spearheading an inexperienced Indian pace attack is bound to fall on the not so young shouldres of R Vinay Kumar. A challenge, he is sure to relish. Vinay Kumar will be eager to prove himself to the selectors in this series. For Zimbabwe, a lot will hinge on the performance of Vusi Sibanda, who, despite getting a few big scores under his belt in ODIs has been worfully inconsistent and has failed to utilise his talent to the optimum extent. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top when these two take on each other.
Shikhar Dhawan VS Brian Vitori
In the prime and form of his life, Shikhar Dhawan, who has, with his incredible feats with the willow over the last couple of months left everyone astounded, will want to add to his tally of hundreds in the tour of Zimbabwe for sure. Along with Rohit Sharma, he has formed a potent opening combination and the unlikely duo has worked wonders for India at the top of the batting order. He will be up against the inexperienced, albeit talented Brian Vitori, who has snaffled 15 wickets in seven ODIs. Vitori can move the ball away from the left-hander and is sure to spell trouble for Dhawan, who if he is not too careful could end up being foxed by Vitori.