India-Zim 1st ODI today

India's fringe players will have the opportunity to showcase their talents when they take on an improving Zimbabwe side in a three-match one-day international series, which starts on Friday.

With India resting seven players for the tour, including one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Test skipper Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane has been tasked with leading an inexperienced squad that possesses just 479 one-day caps -- 229 of which belong to recalled spinner Harbhajan Singh.

India's decision to bring a second-string side to Zimbabwe two years ago did not stop them from whitewashing the home side 5-0, and they will still be favourite to win the three ODIs and T20s on this short tour.

"It's a good opportunity for all of us to express ourselves. We're taking Zimbabwe very seriously," said Rahane.