Joshi revealed that India had worked closely with Bishnoi and also had conversations with the support staff, including regular bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, to address the issue.

“We’ve also communicated with Sairaj. So, we’ve had good conversations with him. And eventually, we’ve seen that he’s not even going close to the return crease also, which is very pleasing for him, honestly, and for us also,” he said.

The Zimbabwe series also provided India an opportunity to look at the depth of their bowling resources after a demanding stretch in Ireland and England. Joshi credited the players for adapting despite the workload.

“I know it was a hectic series in Ireland and England. So, coming back, travel, we’ve got to give credit to the players also,” he said. “And coming back here, it’s important to understand that a win is a must, which has happened. And I’m very pleased with the bowling performances of all the bowlers.”

India have also been exploring additional bowling options among their batting group. Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and other all-rounders have been encouraged to contribute with the ball, giving the team more balance in the shortest format.

Joshi believes all three have the ability to grow into useful bowling options.

“I think all three are good bowlers, all-rounders,” he said. “Although Abhishek Sharma has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time for the better.”

That approach reflects India’s broader thinking in T20 cricket — developing players who can contribute in multiple departments and give the captain more options.

The same patience applies to Suryansh Shedge, the emerging fast-bowling all-rounder who has impressed with his performances. Joshi was quick to avoid comparisons with established players like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

“Look, we shouldn’t compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team,” Joshi said. “Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he’s a rising talent.”

India are also keeping an eye on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s development. While the teenager’s bowling ability has attracted attention, Joshi believes the immediate focus should remain on his batting.

“The first thing is, let’s focus on his batting. He’s been sensational,” he said.

Joshi added that there would be time to work on Vaibhav’s bowling whenever opportunities arise.

The emergence of young fast bowlers has further strengthened India’s options. Mayank Yadav’s return, Ashok’s performances and Prince’s progress have given India a larger pool to choose from.

“It’s a good thing for the Indian fast bowling pool that we have so many fast bowlers,” Joshi said. “At the right time, at the right situation, at the right moment, we have to utilise them.”

At the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi finds himself in familiar terrain: it was here he smashed 175 from just 80 balls in the final of the Under-19 World Cup as a 14-year-old against England. Hammering 15 sixes and 15 fours at a strike-rate of 218.75, Sooryavanshi had scored the last 151 runs of that knock off just 56 deliveries.

The rest of the team combination will also be an interesting watch. In the absence of regular pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, a young pace attack will turn out for India with Mayank Yadav earning a comeback to the national setup after a gap of almost two years, while Ashok Sharma and Yash Thakur have been handed maiden call-ups.

Probable Playing XI for India vs Zimbabwe first T20I

India’s Probable XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi

Zimbabwe’s Probable XI: Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (w)/Tafadzwa Tsiga, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Milton Shumba, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

India vs Zimbabwe squads 

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer(c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi

Zimbabwe Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Richard Ngarava, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Newman Nyamhuri