Zimbabwe Should Play More Matches Against Big Teams – Lalchand Rajput

Former Indian opener Lalchand Rajput has urged big teams in the ICC rankings to play more often with Zimbabwe.

In July 2019, the International Cricket Council (ICC) slapped Zimbabwe with a suspension after the Zimbabwe Cricket, country’s official administrator, failed to keep the government’s interference in the daily affairs.

The ICC lifted the ban four months after it was imposed, however, the African nation hasn’t played enough cricket against the greatest teams in the world.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to play three ODI matches against India next week and will follow the same number of games against Australia at the month end.

Zimbabwe should be playing more matches against big teams like India, Australia: Lalchand Rajput

Lalchand Rajput, who is currently serving as technical director with the Zimbabwe Cricket, strongly feels the need of Zimbabwe to compete with big teams.

“They should be playing more matches and big teams like India, Australia and South Africa should play more often. We missed out on the T20 World Cup the last time, but the players and the Zimbabwe Cricket are very excited and happy that we have qualified for it this time,” Rajput told Times of India.

It’s a great opportunity for Zimbabwe players to play against India: Lalchand Rajput

Zimbabwe are coming fresh from drubbing Bangladesh in the home series with identical 2-1 results in both ODI and T20I series. The Africans will play a second-string Indian side led by KL Rahul in three ODIs starting on August 18.
Rajput said he won’t take any Indian side lightly in terms of competition.

“It’s a great opportunity for Zimbabwe players to play against India and they are really looking forward to it. After having a very successful outing against Bangladesh, our spirits are very high. We will carry that momentum into the India series. Any Indian team will be a tough side to beat, but Zimbabwe will definitely not make things easy for them,” Rajput said.

The first ODI between Zimbabwe and India will be played at the Harare Sports Club on August 18.

Also Read: IND vs ZIM: It Will Be Good To Catch Up With My Old Friends, Especially VVS Laxman – Lalchand Rajput Ahead Of India Tour Of Zimbabwe 2022