Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s talismanic batsman, is an opponent India must respect if it hopes to defeat Zimbabwe

When considering his performance from the year 2021, it is clear that Raza has been one of the most successful batsmen in 50-over cricket. After Babar Azam, Rassie van der Dussen, and Quinton de Kock, his total of 627 runs in 13 matches at an average of 62.70 is the fourth highest in all of international cricket.

On Thursday, the first of three One-Day International matches between India and Zimbabwe will get under way. Because they have sent a young squad for the tour, all eyes are on the visitors. This is because some of their senior players will be playing in the upcoming Asia Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

While the form and fitness of KL Rahul, who has been chosen captain for the series, will be the primary focus of attention, the Indians should not underestimate their opponents, particularly their batting talisman Sikandar Raza.

The batsman who was born in Pakistan has been an integral part of the Zimbabwe batting lineup for a number of years now, and he recently smashed back-to-back hundreds against Bangladesh to assist his team in winning the match against the Asian side.

Sikandar would want to emulate his feats against the powerful Indians, just like everyone else in the room would.

When considering his performance from the year 2021, it is clear that Raza has been one of the most successful batsmen in 50-over cricket. After Babar Azam, Rassie van der Dussen, and Quinton de Kock, his total of 627 runs in 13 matches at an average of 62.70 is the fourth highest in all of international cricket.

His performance in one-day internationals at Harare has been phenomenal, and he is now tied for third place on the all-time list for runs scored in ODIs at the venue, behind only such Zimbabwe legends as Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza.