"Haven't focussed much on team India, not getting to play against Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is sad"- Luke Jongwe

Zimbabwe all-rounder Luke Jongwe praised veteran Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their T20I retirement with the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Luke Jongwe also expressed his excitement for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the second-string Indian team on home soil.

The Men in Blue secured their second T20 World Cup trophy with a victory over South Africa in the final match in Barbados on June 29. Rohit Sharma became the third Indian captain to win a World Cup trophy. It was also the Indian team's first ICC trophy since the Champions Trophy 2013 victory in England.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also announced their retirement from T20I format on a high note. Virat won the "Player of the Match" award for his batting heroics in the summit clash against South Africa. Meanwhile, Rohit was the leading run-scorer for the Men in Blue in the recently concluded ICC tournament.

We Haven't Focused Much On India - Luke Jongwe

During an interaction organized by Sony Sports Network, Luke Jongwe stated that he and his teammates are excited to play against India at home. Jongwe emphasized the rare opportunity of competing against the Indian team, adding that he could not wait for the game.

"I am very excited. Everyone is excited. The last time India was at their home, I was there. It is not every day that you get to play against India. I cannot wait for the game," Jongwe told ANI.

The 29-year-old stated that they are prioritizing their own game and teamwork over focusing excessively on India. Jongwe highlighted the importance of executing their plans effectively in the upcoming series against India.

"We haven't focused much on India, but rather own our game and playing as a team, perfecting our game as much as possible. We are focusing on executing our plans rather than focusing on the opposition," Jongwe added.

The all-rounder praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as two of the best batters in cricket history. Jongwe expressed sadness at not being able to compete against them again. He recalled his experience playing against the veteran Indian batters during the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

"They are probably two of the best batters to have played the sport. Not getting to play against them is sad. I got to play against them in Australia during the T20 World Cup 2022. I think they have done so much for Indian cricket and for me too, watching them play is amazing," Jongwe further stated.

The Future Of Zimbabwe Is Starting From Tomorrow - Luke Jongwe

Luke Jongwe highlighted that Zimbabwe cricket's future begins with the upcoming series against Team India. He emphasized the importance of these matches as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"The future of Zimbabwe is actually starting from tomorrow. There is a newish team against India that we are playing. It will take us to the 2026 T20 WC and 2027 ODI World Cup. We cannot wait to play tomorrow. There will be people filling up the ground and some awesome cricketers will emerge during these five games."

The first T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, July 6. The remaining four matches will be played at the same venue from July 7 to 14. Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team for the first time in his international cricketing career.

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