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India's bench strength is tested as a second string team takes on Zimbabwe in a three-match One-day series beginning at the Harare Sports Club with the youngsters as well as a few seniors hoping to capitalise on the opportunity.

It is India's first assignment after heart-breaking series-defeat against Asian neighbours Bangladesh and taking the hosts lightly is hardly an option for the World Cup semi-finalist as the African nation has shown progress and promise of late.

Handed over the captaincy in the absence of seniors, young batsman Ajinkya Rahane has a point to prove after being trusted for the job by selectors. The diminutive batsman was dropped for the last two ODIs against Bangladesh and skipper Mahendra Singh justified his exclusion by saying that the Mumbai player struggles to rotate strike on slow pitches.