CALCATTA: Sikandar Razawas born in Sialkot and had trained for three-and-a-half years in the PakistanAir Force (PAF). But neither Pakistan nor its cross-border relations with Indiawould be on his mind when Zimbabwe face the KL Rahul-led India side for athree-ODI series in Harare from August 18.
In the past, too, Razasaid he had never thought of playing cricket for Pakistan, as his goal was tobecome a fighter pilot. At present, being Zimbabwe’s most prolific run-scorerin white-ball cricket, all that matters for the 36-year-old fighter is givinghis all on the field for the country that has shown faith in him and given himthe opportunity to excel at the international level.
“It’s never about who I’mplaying against. It’s always about who I’m representing, and that’s Zimbabwe.And I always treat each and every nation, regardless of whichever that is, withthe utmost respect and as an equal as well,” Raza, who has played 17 Tests, 117ODIs and 58 T20Is so far in his nine-year international career, told The Telegraph.
“So for me, I amrepresenting Zimbabwe, and that’s where it starts and that’s where it ends,” hecategorically mentioned. For sure Raza, who can also bowl off-spin, will haveto play a significant role to play if the Regis Chakabva-led team has to putIndia under pressure in this ODI series. However, what augurs well for themiddle-order batsman is his current form, especially as he has hit back-to-backcenturies (135 not out and 117 not out) in the recent one-dayers versusBangladesh.
“We’re optimistic going into every tour.Because, if you aren’t optimistic, you’re basically then going out there for abattering. And that’s not how you play international cricket,” he stated. “Yes,it does help that we have had a few good series lately. “So that makes us quiteconfident going into the India series. It’s going to be a quality, entertainingseries. Let’s see how we take it from there.”
The Zimbabweans havealready begun chalking out plans and strategies to counter the Indians. “We’regoing to watch the footage (of India’s players) and analyse. “Differentindividuals will be having different plans against certain individuals whilebatting or bowling. So it’s not like we’re looking to cash in on any bowler orsomething like that. “It’s a quality Indian attack. So all we have to do is tryto execute our skills on the game day. Hopefully, our skills will outshinethose of the opposition. That’s all that matters,” Raza explained.
Air force gains
Raza’s dreams of becominga fighter pilot couldn’t be fulfilled because of an eye problem but his gainsfrom the time he had spent at the PAF remain “priceless”. “I believe the time at the air force helpedme to be mentally and physically stronger. Those three-and-a-half years were avery important part of my life. “Now looking back, I think I grew as a humanbeing and as a person.
“That time there gave me the purpose andmotivation to get through the difficult times and I’ll always be grateful forthat time at the air force,” Raza, who also holds a degree in BSc Computingfrom Glasgow Caledonian University, emphasised. Quality-wise, India areobviously ahead of Zimbabwe. But they are certainly up against a fighter whocould be a thorn in their flesh
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