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Brandon Moyo in BULAWAYO
IT’S a changed Chevrons squad, missing some regulars and veterans, but it has been given the seal of approval by analysts.
The 17-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India, which gets underway at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, will be without all-rounder Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, who some reports claim has retired.
There was also no place for spinner Ainsley Ndlovu and batter Joylord Gumbie while there were recalls for the duo of Brandon Mavuta and Wessly Madhevere.
The biggest attraction in the team was the inclusion of Belgium born all-rounder, Antum Naqvi, who is of Pakistan descent.
The 25-year-old all-rounder made a case for himself on the country’s domestic scene although his participation is subject to confirmation of his citizenship.
Sportscaster and cricket commentator, Tawanda ‘Master Eli’ Tamirepi believes, that everyone who was picked was selected on merit.
“It’s a pretty good squad, the only new addition is Naqvi and will be waiting to see whether he debuts in the first match and lives up to expectation or will he play, probably, in the third or fourth game.
“It’s good to see Wessly and Mavuta coming back, it’s a chance to redeem themselves.
“Overall, it’s a good team, everyone is in good form and if you look at, maybe, a player like Ryan Burl, he has had a poor run in form and that’s why he had to sit out.”
Former player, Dumisani Mankunzini said: “Looking at that squad, I think it’s a good move, you can tell the direction that we are taking, it’s a transformation, it’s a squad for the future with good promising youngsters.
“It’s a team for the future. From a cricketing point of view, some may say Chatara did not deserve but numbervs tell a different story, and numbers will never lie. We also have guys like Innocent Kaia returning, I am sure they are backing themselves for continuity,” said Mankunzini.
Online Reporter