3 unlucky players who missed out on a place in the T20I squad vs Zimbabwe

India has announced their squad for the three-match series against Zimbabwe, set to commence on July 23 in Harare. The squad, announced on the eve of Monday, July 6, has raised significant eyebrows due to key inclusions and exclusions.

With multiple players performing across the IPL, domestic games, and across formats, India have a roster with significant quality and depth. Series like these give them a chance to give match exposure to depth options before the big tournaments like the Asian Games on the horizon. We take a look at players who could have been included in the squad for the current series.

Here are 3 players who missed out on a place in the T20I squad vs Zimbabwe:

3. Krunal Pandya (Spin-bowling all-rounder)

Krunal Pandya, in the last two seasons of the IPL, has established himself as one of the top all-rounders and best defensive spinners going around in the country. Leading the spin attack for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their successive titles, he has established himself as a constant threat with the ball, bowling with control and accuracy while also being a solid wicket-taking threat. 

In two seasons with RCB, Krunal has picked up 31 wickets at an average of 25.94, striking at 18.67 at an economy of 8.33. He has also contributed with the bat in collapses, scoring 335 runs at a strike rate of 139. Aged 35, time may not be on his side, but with the T20 World Cup cycle lasting two years, the age factor could be negated for one of the best all-rounders in India in the domestic circuit.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opening batter)

Yashasvi Jaiswal is now a fully established regular in India’s red-ball team but has been on the fringes of the white-ball side. He was recently part of the ODI side for the series against Afghanistan, opening the batting in the absence of the talismanic Virat Kohli, and scored a stellar unbeaten 110 off just 86 balls in Chennai. The batter has been part of the T20I squad but has lost his place in the last few years.

Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2026, Jaiswal was often overshadowed by the young maverick Vaibhav Sooryavanshi but had a respectable season, scoring 427 runs at a strike rate of 152.50. He has on several occasions displayed exquisite shotmaking and an expansive power game, which could fit well with the current batting template of the team. With Sanju Samson missing out on a place, Jaiswal offers a viable backup option in the top order.

1. Rasikh Salam Dar (Bowling all-rounder)

Seam bowler Rasikh Salam Dar was one of the most improved players in the recent IPL season. RCB were missing a reliable third seamer due to the absence of Yash Dayal, who played a key role in their maiden title win. He made his first appearance in their fourth game of the season and was one of their most impactful middle- and death-overs bowlers. His skiddy pace and variations made life difficult for batters.

Rasikh picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches, the second-highest for the team in the season. With India looking to groom new pacers, they went with backup and prospect options in the squad in Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav. While the trio have proved to be fast hit-the-deck bowlers, their lack of experience and injury records leave more question marks than answers.