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Brighton Zhawi
IF it wasn’t for his dad’s advice, Sikandar Raza wouldn’t be sitting amongst the best ODI all-rounders in the world.
And if it wasn’t for a text message from a friend, Raza would have taken sometime to know that he slipped into the top ODI all-rounders list.
The 32-year-old, once part-time bowler, has developed into a fully-fledged all-rounder who is now ranked ninth in the world.
“I didn’t see it coming,” he said.
“I had a message from a friend of mine from Scotland congratulating me and was a bit shocked really.
“But when I look back I think it has been a period I have performed consistently,” added Raza who averages 34.40 with the bat and 37.71 with the ball.
They say faith is unquestionable belief and that’s something Raza embraces as much as he his earthly father Tasadaq’s advice. “I am where I am and who I am because of my faith,” said the proud Muslim.
“My faith allows me to learn and be a better human, to be a better cricketer.
“Most importantly my faith allows me to accept defeats and success with humility and I think that’s the biggest attribute for success.”
Raza also acknowledges the role former coaches have played in his career with Heath Streak and Lance Klusener coming in for special mention.
But before the coaches came along there was Raza’s father who offered a nugget that turned his son into an all-rounder.
“There was a time I was not bowling because I was opening (the bat) in the franchise games and the work load was quite heavy.
“However, my dad said ‘see you can bowl any spin, leg-spin or off-spin just so that you have two sides to your game’.
“I took that advice and am seeing the rewards. Thanks to Allah for rewarding my faith and thanks to my dad for coming up with the good idea,” said the Chevrons batsman.
Raza is also trying to be the best dad he can be and reckons being a father has been good for his game.
“When I go home my mind is completely off cricket, I spend time with my family. I have got a boy who is five and half. His name is Eesa and I have got a girl who is two whose name is Anaya. The madam is called Aqsa.
“Being with these guys refreshes me and when I go back to the field I will be more focused,” he said.
Meanwhile, the four match ODI series against UAE, the team that crushed Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualification hopes last year, starts this Wednesday at Harare Sports Club with Raza highlighting that it’s a chance for the hosts to get on with life.
“We got to move away from the heartbreak because you don’t want a repeat of that heartbreak especially with all the tournaments, leagues and international games coming up.
“I think we need to move forward and this is the perfect opportunity to do so,” he said.
Online Reporter