DRS, April 1: India to tour Zimbabwe, Shubman Gill’s blunders & Connolly’s IPL debut to remember

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Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill wasn’t at his best against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who were steered home by Indian Premier League (IPL) debutant Cooper Connolly. Fakhar Zaman has been handed a 2-match ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced central contracts. Expect celebrations galore from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi. Lastly, Team India will tour Zimbabwe after 2 years.

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ZIM vs IND soon

India will tour Zimbabwe for 3 T20Is in late July or early August. Right after the white-ball tour of England ends on July 19, the Men in Blue will fly to Zimbabwe. In 2024, India played 5 T20Is against the Chevrons away from home and will return again. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will tour India after 25 years in January 2027.

Bad day out for Gill

Shubman Gill and Ashish Nehra made plenty of errors in GT’s 3-victory defeat to PBKS. They benched Sai Kishore, who were their second-highest wicket-taker last season. Continued to stick with Rahul Tewatia. But the worst error was handing Prasidh Krishna the ball in the 13th over, after the match was virtually done.

Zaman suspended by PCB

PCB has suspended Fakhar Zaman for 2 matches in PSL 2026. The Lahore Qalandars batter was caught tampering with the ball on March 29. He denied any wrongdoing, which led to a disciplinary hearing. But it didn’t go his way with PCB finding him guilty of breaching the code of conduct.

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Connolly shines on PBKS debut

Cooper Connolly bagged the ‘player of the match’ award for his unbeaten 73-run knock in the PBKS vs GT match. The 22-year-old hadn’t hit his stride in 2026 but was still backed to play ahead of Shreyas Iyer. Connolly delivered on his IPL debut, helping PBKS chase down 163 in the last over of the match.

Brevis gets maiden contract

CSA has announced contracts for the 2026-27 season. 19 cricketers have been named, with Simon Harmer getting a hybrid contract. Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis have earned their maiden contracts. 20 cricketers have also been contracted under the new Players of National Interest policy.

Rathi gets Pant’s backing

Digvesh Rathi has been given a free hand by his LSG captain, Rishabh Pant. Last IPL season, the leg spinner was fined thrice and handed a 1-match suspension for his celebrations. Rathi has been reassured by Pant that he can do his famous ‘notebook’ celebration, but mustn’t get suspended by the BCCI.

The post DRS, April 1: India to tour Zimbabwe, Shubman Gill’s blunders & Connolly’s IPL debut to remember appeared first on Inside Sport India.

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