Published: Jun 22, 2016, 09:10 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 22, 2016, 09:10 AM (IST)
Zimbabwe media manager Darlington Majonga has revealed the national team is aiming to develop home group talents, amidst e-mail’s from young Indians and Pakistanis wanting to get an opportunity. Zimbabwe cricket over the past few years have failed to produce quality international players, which has seen them fall down to 11th rank in ODI’s and 10th in Tests. In the past, players like Heath Streak, Ray Price, Andy Flower & Grant Flower, Henry Olonga represented the national side, as they took on the heavyweights of the game. But a lack of proper domestic structure has hit them hard. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I Match
Speaking about the issue, Darlington told cricbuzz, “For the national team, mainly it’s from India, and a few from Pakistan. I haven’t replied to anyone. It’s not for me to decide. We are looking to develop our own players here. We believe we have enough talent.”
The gulf between the two sides has been at view in this tour. Despite India playing their second string squad barring MS Dhoni, they have outclassed the hosts, who play with a first team. The likes of KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal and Barinder Sran have been excellent, but are nowhere near being a regular fixture in the Indian side. Such is the competition for places that young Indians try to go to other countries and express desire to play for other nation.
Zimbabwe are currently busy in the T20 series against visitors India. Having lost the ODI series 3-0, they salvaged some pride by winning the first ODI. But they were brought back down to earth, as India mauled them in the second T20I by 10 wickets, meaning the third T20I will be a decider.
