Sikandar Raza Leads Zimbabwe's New Era in T20 Showdown Against India

Sikandar Raza has been appointed captain of Zimbabwe's young T20 team for their upcoming five-match series against India. The squad includes players like Antum Naqvi, pending citizenship confirmation, and aims to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons following their failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Experienced batter Sikandar Raza was named captain of a youthful Zimbabwe team on Monday for an upcoming five-match T20 series against world champions India, commencing July 6. Zimbabwe Cricket's recent release also noted the potential inclusion of Belgium-born Antum Naqvi, contingent on his citizenship status confirmation. Naqvi, born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, expressed his intent to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket and has applied for naturalization.

Aiming to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons, the squad comprises mainly young talents following their unsuccessful bid to qualify for the recent T20 World Cup. The 38-year-old Raza, boasting 86 matches, is the most seasoned player in the squad, followed by 29-year-old Luke Jongwe, who has 63 appearances.

Other experienced players include pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, with 52 and 51 T20I matches, respectively. Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not selected, and players such as Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu also did not make the cut.

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