With the series already pocketed, India would look to hand Zimbabwe a third successive whitewash while testing more youngsters when it takes on the lacklustre host in the third and final ODI here tomorrow.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni hinted on changing the playing eleven after two easy wins against the host. The series has been a lopsided affair and fans of both teams will hope for a closer contest at the Harare Sports Club.
Going by the words of skipper Dhoni, changes are likely in the Indian batting order as only the top three batsmen have got substantial time in the middle.
Opener Lokesh Rahul, who scored a memorable ton on his ODI debut, might be rested with number three Ambati Rayudu. The two have by far faced the most number of balls. If they are benched, uncapped Faiz Fazal can open
with Karun Nair, who made 39 off 68 balls in the run chase yesterday after a failure in the first match.
Taking Rayudu's place could be another uncapped batsman Mandeep Singh, who was a surprise pick in the 16-man squad alongside Fazal.
Barring the top three, the rest of the batsmen have not got an outing, so any other change in that department looks unlikely.
In the fast bowling line-up, Dhoni can rest Barinder Sran or Dhawal Kulkarni or Jasprit Bumrah, as all three performed their roles well in the earlier games. If any of them is left out, Jaydev Unadkat or all-rounder Rishi Dhawan could be included in the eleven.
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who made the cut after a fruitful IPL, has impressed in the two chances he has got and that included a three-wicket haul yesterday. If off-spinner Jayant Yadav gets to make his debut, either Chahal or Axar Patel will be benched.
Dhoni has put Zimbabwe in the previous two games. It will be interesting to see what he would do if he wins the toss for the third time.
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