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Hamilton Masakadza

Bipin Dani in MUMBAI
UNDER the leadership of the experienced Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Zimbabwe-bound India cricket team have a number of new faces but the hosts’ skipper Hamilton Masakadza still believes the men from the sub-continent are brining a very strong side.

The 33-year-old top order right-handed batsman and a right-handed medium pacer Hamilton Masakadza has already been retained as Zimbabwe skipper.

“The senior players (barring Dhoni) are rested but I do not think that will take anything away from the series,” said Masakadza.

“The Indians have such a wide player base and so many good players that I believe whatever team is being sent to Zimbabwe is really strong and very competitive.

“A series against India is always important for us because they are the biggest cricketing nation. It’s a fixture on the calendar every player really looks forward to and it brings a lot of excitement to the fans as there are a lot of Indian fans in Zimbabwe as well.

“The atmosphere at the ground is always good and charged-up.

“It is always nice to play against the very best in the world so the senior players will be missed but as I alluded to, whatever team is being sent is very strong. I did expect new faces in the team specially those who are playing in the IPL”.

India are scheduled to play three ODIs and and three T20s at Harare Sports Club.