Stuart Carlisle, Zimbabwe's captain, believes his team have a fighting chance of surprising a depleted India in the five-match one-day series which starts at Faridabad on Thursday. India will be without explosive openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, while Javagal Srinath, their experienced fast bowler, will mniss at least the first three matches. Srinath and Tendulkar have been rested, while Sehwag is unavailable after he injured his shoulder during the second Test at Delhi.

Tendulkar is the world's highest run-getter in the shorter version of the game, with 11,069 in 286 matches, and a record 31 centuries.

"I think any team will be relieved to know that these two batsmen are not playing," sadi Carlisle. "Their absence will certainly enhance our chances."

Tendulkar and Sehwag batted well against England in the one-day series last month, sharing two century stands for the opening wicket in four matches. Their absence means India go into the opening one-dayer with a new pair of openers.

"We have kept our options open," said Sourav Ganguly, India's captain. "I will open with SS Das if we bat first and will come down the order if we chase."

Ganguly said the absence of Tendulkar and Sehwag would also give youngsters an opportunity to prove their mettle. "We are without some of our top players, but I hope the youngsters in the side make the most of their chances. We have to keep the inexperience factor in mind. Zimbabwe are a good batting and fielding side in one-dayers, and we have to lift our game."

Carlisle said he hoped his team would do well despite not getting enough time to prepare for the one-day matches, which start just two days after the second Test finished. "There has been very little time to prepare for the one-dayers. The four players who have flown in are yet to adjust to the conditions here."

Gary Brent, Douglas Marillier, Douglas Hondo and Charles Coventry joined the squad after the Test series, replacing Ray Price, Trevor Gripper, Gavin Rennie and Brighton Watambwa.

Price troubled Indian batsmen with his left-arm spin on slow turning pitches, taking ten wickets in the two Tests and dismissing Tendulkar three times in three innings. But Carlisle felt Price would not be missed in the one-dayers. "Ray bowled very well in the Tests, but one-dayers are a different game. The wickets are not expected to turn as much as they did in the Tests."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd