Tinashe Panyangara ruled out of India series; Cremer named captain

The India v Zimbabwe series took yet another twist with premier Zimbabwe pacer Tinashe Panyangara ruled out of the series with an injury. Reports suggest that Panyangara was ruled out of the series with a back injury, thereby witnessing a few replacements named in the side. The 30-year old Zimbabwean pacer will miss out on the three ODIs and the subsequent three T20 internationals.

Taurai Muzarabani, who has played six ODIs and seven T20Is, was picked in Panyangara’s place. Further reports go on to suggest that Graeme Cremer has been named as the Zimbabwe skipper for both the formats of the series. In spite of being sacked as skipper just recently, Hamilton Masakadza has been named in the squad for both the ODI as well as the T20I series.

Joining Masakadza will be his brother Wellington Masakadza, who has been named in the squad as a specialist spinner. Thus, apart from the leg-spin of Graeme Cremer, Tendai Chisoro, and Timken Maruma will provide the other slower bowling options for Cremer. In the absence of Tinashe Panyangara, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, and Neville Madziva will form the pace attack.

Squads:

ODI: Graeme Cremer (capt), Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Taurai Muzarabani, Chamu Chibhabha, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Vusi Sibanda, Tawanda Mupariwa, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Neville Madziva, Donald Tiripano, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chisoro, Hamilton Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine

T20I: Graeme Cremer (capt), Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Taurai Muzarabani, Brian Chari, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Vusi Sibanda, Luke Jongwe, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Neville Madziva, Donald Tiripano, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chisoro, Hamilton Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Malcolm Waller.