Sikandar Raza to captain Zimbabwe's youthful squad against India in T20I series

Experienced all-rounder, Sikandar Raza, was appointed captain of a youthful Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India on Monday, July 1.

Zimbabwe faces starkly contrasting realities compared to their visitors. They failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024, missing out in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier 2023, where Uganda and Namibia ultimately secured the spots. In contrast, India is riding a wave of success, having ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought by triumphing in the 2024 edition of the 20-over World Cup, marking their second title in their acclaimed history.

Aiming to rebuild under the guidance of new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe, following their failure to qualify for the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, has assembled a youthful squad led by Raza. Excluding Raza from the calculation, the 15-member squad boasts an average age of just 27 years.

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The 38-year-old seasoned all-rounder has played 86 T20Is to date and is five years elder than the squad's second-eldest player, Tendai Chatara.

Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were omitted, alongside Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu, who also did not meet the cut.

Notably, Zimbabwe Cricket has included Antum Naqvi, who was born in Brussels, Belgium, to Pakistani parents and later relocated to Australia, in their squad. However, his definitive inclusion hinges on his citizenship status. Naqvi's candidacy arose following his express intention to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket and his pursuit of naturalization.

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Zimbabwe squad for the T20Is against India: Sikandar Raza (c), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton