Which Player Has Yash Thakur Replaced? IND Vs ZIM 2nd T20I Toss Report

India vs Zimbabwe Toss. Image Credits: BCCI

India will look to wrap up the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe when the two teams meet in the 2nd game at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 25. The visitors go into the game with a 1-0 lead after a convincing seven-wicket win in the opening match on Thursday. 

For the IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I, Yash Thakur is making his India debut and has replaced Ashok Sharma in India's playing XI.

Captain Shreyas Iyer led India to an impressive all-round performance in the first T20I. 

The IND vs ZIM 1st T20I saw an impressive comeback from fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who returned to international cricket after nearly two years. He made an immediate impact by taking two wickets, including one with his very first delivery. 

Prince Yadav also bowled well, while debutant Ashok Sharma impressed with his pace. With the bat, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show. The youngster smashed a record-breaking half-century in just 18 balls.

Also Read: India Planning To Turn Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into An All-Rounder

With the excitement at an all-time high for the IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I, in this article, let's take a look at the toss update and the playing XI of India and Zimbabwe.

IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Toss Update

Two captains - Shreyas Iyer (IND) and Sikandar Raza (ZIM) are in the middle for the toss.

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first.

IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Playing XIs

Taking a look at the playing XI's of India and Zimbabwe, for the Men in Blue, Yash Thakur is making his debut.  On the other hand, Zimbabwe is going with the same XI from the 1st T20I.

India Playing XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Ravisingh Thakur, Mayank Yadav

Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Why Has Yash Thakur Replaced Ashok Sharma In IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I?

It is important to note that for IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I, Yash Thakur has replaced Ashok Sharma.

India picked Yash Thakur in place of Ashok Sharma because the 24-year-old bowler in the first T20I bowled his allotted 4 overs and conceded 29 runs at an economy rate of 7.25. However, he showcased good pace and speed; he struggled with line and length in the 1st T20I.

With the series 1-0 in India's favour, the think tank seems to be trying different bowling actions and has given Yash Thakur a chance.

Also Read: Harare Sports Club Pitch Report, Weather Report For IND Vs ZIM 2nd T20I, 2026

IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Captains Thoughts

Shreyas Iyer (India Captain): "[What would have you done?] We were going to bat first.

[About the pitch for today's game] I feel it is a bit different from the last game. It doesn't look that tacky as in the first game. I feel the bounce would be consistent. At least that is what I am hoping (smiles). Let's make sure that it is a belter to bat on.

[What will be the change that the win in the last game has brought for them?] We just passed out the message to all the boys that it is important to stay in the present. Let's not be complacent. When you have such a comprehensive win, you tend to take things easily."

"I think it is essential to enjoy the moment, as well as to play to the best of our abilities. There is a lot of potential in the dressing room. If they turn up today with their solid approach, then definitely the results will be taken care of.

[Any changes?] We have one change. Yash Thakur comes in for Ashok Sharma."

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe Captain): "(Decision) We will bowl first. The reason being that winter wickets are slight spicy at the start. So, hopefully, we can make early inroads and then see what comes in the batting order later on.

(On the pitch) The surface is a lot better to a couple of days ago. May not be as spicy. But we all know that in Harare especially in winter, there will be some spice at the start. Hopefully, our seamers will be able to make early inroads, then it will go a long way in stopping them.

(Team news) We are going to back the same boys.

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