Zimbabwe have been dealt a serious injury blow ahead of their three-match T20I series against India, with Milton Shumba ruled out due to a right hamstring injury and replaced by Innocent Kaia, who is returning to the side after an extended absence. Kaia has been drafted in after Shumba’s setback, and the 33-year-old former T20I batsman last played in July 2024 against India in Harare, marking a fitting return at the same venue. Shumba’s injury follows his recent return to Zimbabwe’s T20I setup and comes as the squad looks to rebuild momentum after a 2-1 loss to Bangladesh. India, despite a rough patch that saw them winless in seven and lose a four-match bilateral T20I series, remain heavy favourites as the reigning T20 World Cup champions. All three matches in the series are scheduled to be played at the Harare venue, starting with the opener on July 23, with Kaia’s inclusion adding extra intrigue to Zimbabwe’s bid for an upset. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has expressed a belief that the series could be 50-50, underscoring the closely contested nature of the contest.