ZIMBABWE’S T20I captain Sikandar Raza is hurting.
His team’s recent performances have been disappointing, and the captain is taking it personally.
“It is painful, it is hurting,” Raza admits. “But as senior players and management, we need to stay calm and find a solution. We can’t just lose our logic.”
Raza believes that the team’s inability to tackle spin has been their Achilles’ heel. “We need to grind more, especially in Bulawayo,” he says. “It’s not just about big hits; it’s about understanding the wicket and playing accordingly.”
Despite the setbacks, Raza is determined to back his players. “We can’t just change the squad within a series,” he says. “These guys deserve to be here, and I believe in them.”
Raza recalls a time when Zimbabwe had 27 debuts in three months. “We can’t keep doing that,” he says. “We need to give players a proper run, not just one or two games. We need to create a culture where players feel confident and stable.”
As captain, Raza wants to take ownership of the team’s performance. “I need to take responsibility and be in the middle for as many overs as I can,” he says. “I need to find a method to be aggressive when needed and grind out partnerships.”
Raza is aware that the fans are disappointed, but he urges them to keep backing the team. “We know we can turn it around,” he says. “We just need to stay positive and focused.”
In the face of criticism, Raza remains resolute. “We should be mentally strong enough to take criticism and channel it into positive energy,” he says. “We owe it to our fans and our country to do better.”
Raza’s message to his teammates is clear: “We back each other, and we will turn this around together.”
