Exclusive: Sikandar Raza on Zimbabwe’s T20 win against India, his captaincy ambitions and more

9 years ago

Image source: Live Images

“The measure of the moment
In a difference of degree
Just one little victory
A spirit breaking free
One little victory
The greatest act can be
One little victory…”

– Rush

They’ve faced numerous losses. They’ve also suffered racial tensions off the field. But on July 19, 2015, the Zimbabwe cricket team decided to put their woes behind them and give themselves that much-needed ‘one little victory’.

After losing the 3-match ODI series against India, Zimbabwe salvaged some pride by leveling the T20 series 1-1 after beating the Ajinkya Rahane-led side by 10 runs in the 2nd match. And in the middle of this magical win was their stand-in skipper – Sikandar Raza.

Folomojo spoke exclusively to the ‘Sikandar’, who lead Zimbabwe to their first win since their victory against UAE at the 2015 World Cup, and here’s what he had to say:

On their T20 win against India:

For Raza and his teammates, losing had almost become a habit and all they wanted was to register a crucial win. He said, “We were tired of just competing against better nations. We just wanted this to end and register a win against our name.”

Raza, who led the team in place of injured Elton Chigumbura, brought along with him a fighting spirit. Throughout the game, Raza was seen in animated consultation with his bowlers and other players. He constantly made changes to the field and also brought himself on to bowl at a stage when India needed 45 from 36 with 5 wickets in hand. His two overs cost him only 9 runs and he almost had a wicket to his credit.

Though Zimbabwe won just one game in the entire series, Raza believes that the win will do a world of good to the entire team.

“We are now more confident than before. We have the confidence that we have and can beat a World Champion side,” he said.

He added, “The energy in the team is the best I’ve seen in a long time. Everyone in the dressing room is confident and after the win all I could see was people jumping with joy, clicking photographs and of course relishing the win with a smile.”

On his captaincy ambitions

When asked if he would love to captain Zimbabwe full time, Raza humbly said, “I felt honoured when I got the chance to lead the team. Whether I’ll be a full-time captain or not is for the board to decide. If they think I can handle the job of a captain well, then I will gladly accept the same.”

On his own personal form during the series

Known for his prolific batting skills and his ability to pick wickets at crucial stages of the game, a lot was expected out of Raza in the series against India. However, though he led his side to a win against the formidable Indians, he personally failed to fire in this series. He said, “I didn’t do too well against India. But, I will continue to work hard so that I can contribute more towards the success of the team.”

On the off-field relation with Team India

Though the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Ravichanra Ashwin etc. were not a part of the Zimbabwe series, the hosts didn’t miss any opportunity to mingle with other members of Team India.

Raza said, “We’ve made some great friends in this series. I’ve personally built a great rapport with Harbhajan Singh, Mohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.”

On his stint with Team Zimbabwe so far

Sikandar Raza, who moved to Zimbabwe in 2002 along with his family, would’ve been defending the skies of Pakistan as a fighter pilot had it not been for a vision test he failed at the end of his three-year stint at the Pakistan Air Force boarding school.

But cricket didn’t happen to Raza until he went to a university in Scotland to pursue his BSc. in Computer Science. He played semi-professional cricket there and gradually realized his love for the game. The rest, as they say, is history.

He proudly said, “The game of cricket itself has inspired me more than anything.”

Raza also put to rest any speculation of racism in the dressing room. He said, “I’ve never had any issue with my origin. I was welcomed with open arms and warm hearts. There is an Asian player in the team today and that itself will tell you a lot about how much Team Zimbabwe has grown over the years.”

On the future of the Zimbabwe cricket team

Raza believes that the T20 win against India was a spark that they needed.

He said, “Now that we have tasted a win, I am sure the boys will remember this feeling and they would want to make sure that they get this feeling again and again.”

“However, for that we need to continue to gel well as a team and also take time out to understand each other’s game,” added Raza.

For those wondering if Zimbabwe will ever climb up the ladder in international cricket, here’s gentle reminder – once termed minnows Bangladesh just registered a series win against South Africa! So you see, anything is possible!

These words couldn’t have been more apt…

“A certain measure of righteousness
A certain amount of force
A certain degree of determination
Daring on a different course…”

– Rush