Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced their One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) squads for the series against India starting on June 11. The revamped team will have Makhaya Ntini as the interim coach and will be led by Graeme Cremer.
Leg-spinner Cremer has replaced Hamilton Masakadza at the helm, who had a forgettable outing in India as the skipper. Masakadza, however, continues to be a part of both the squads that will take on India, but the new captain’s deputy will be wicketkeeper-batsman Richmond Mutumbami.
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The Zimbabwe team will have a slightly depleted new ball attack with forced absence of fast bowler Tinashe Panyangara due to an injury. All-rounder Ryan Burl was also not selected after he picked up an injury during the training camp in Bulawayo while playing Rugby. Panyangara has been referred to a neurologist for further monitoring after he felt pain in his right lower back during a training session.
The host team also has several changes in the support staff, with Dav Whatmore having been sacked for Makhaya Ntini. The legendary South African cricketer Lance Klusener and former Zimbabwean wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu also joined the squad in the roles of batting consultant and convenor respectively.
The tour will consist of three ODIs and the same number of T20s, starting from on Saturday with all matches to be played at the Harare Sports Club. The six matches will be played over 12 days, with the last T20 on June 22 and the Zimbabwean men will look to put up a strong fight against a considerably inexperienced Indian side.
We have a look at their 18-man squad as the number 10 ranked ODI team hosts number 2 side.
#1 Graeme Cremer
Personal Information
Full name: Alexander Graeme Cremer
Born: September 19, 1986
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 29 years 265 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm leg-break
International debut: vs Sri Lanka, October 11, 2004
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: Tests - 11, ODIs - 61, T20s - 24
Runs scored: Tests - 216, ODIs - 519, T20s - 57
Batting average: Tests - 10.8, ODIs - 16.74, T20s - 5.70
Bowling Career
Matches played: Tests - 11, ODIs - 61, T20s - 24
Wickets Taken: Tests - 24, ODIs - 74, T20s - 32
Economy rate: Tests - 4.07, ODIs - 4.74, T20s - 6.72
Profile and recent form
Graeme Cremer is a man blessed with a lot of talent and a very strong mind. Being a leg spinner, he has chosen the hardest skill of the game to master but showed enough promise to get him into the national team at an early age of 18 years.
He bagged his career best Test figures of 4-4 against Bangladesh in April 2013 at the Harare and helped Zimbabwe thrash Bangladesh by a whopping margin of 335 runs.
Cremer has also shown talent in his batting at few instances which give Zimbabwe a rare luxury. He scored a total of 203 runs in his last 18 innings with his highest score as 58 runs. His bowling figures in the same number of innings are a tinge better than that of his batting with 21 wickets including a 5-wicket haul against Afghanistan.
The current Zimbabwe captain missed the World T20 this year due to a fracture in his left forearm and has a tough task to follow against India as a leader.
#2 Chamu Chibhabha
Personal Information
Full name: Chamunorwa Justice Chibhabha
Born: September 6, 1986
Birthplace: Masvingo
Current age: 29 years 278 days
Role: Batting Allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium
International debut: vs New Zealand, August 31, 2005
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 93, T20s - 27
Runs scored: ODIs - 2225, T20s - 565
Batting average: ODIs - 24.45, T20s - 21.73
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 93, T20s - 27
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 33, T20s - 11
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.96, T20s - 8.56
Profile and recent form
Chamu Chibhabha is a promising batting allrounder for Zimbabwe and has also been quite handy with the ball. A top-order, right-handed batsman, Chibhabha has found more success in the shorter formats and is a live wire on the field.
After a forgettable start of his career when he scored a duck in his debut match and then struggled in the Under-19 Afro-Asian Cup, he bounced back well with back to back half-centuries in the opening matches of the tour of the Caribbean.
The 29-year-old can bowl seamers at a decent pace off a considerably short run-up and has the ability to surprise the batsman. He could be a really useful player in a team and cover up if a bowler has an off on the field.
While he has been disappointing in his primary role during the last 5 matches by scoring just 58 runs at a substandard average of 11.60, he grabbed 5 wickets at an impressive average of 9.80, including his career best of 4/25 against Afghanistan.
#3 Tendai Chisoro
Personal Information
Full name: Tendai Sam Chisoro
Born: February 12, 1988
Birthplace: Masvingo
Current age: 28 years 119 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Left-handed bat
Bowling style: Left-arm fast-medium
International debut: vs Afghanistan, October 16, 2015
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 8, T20s - 7
Runs scored: ODIs - 37, T20s - 17
Batting average: ODIs - 12.33, T20s - 17.00
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 8, T20s - 7
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 11, T20s - 10
Economy rate: ODIs - 4.04, T20s - 6.17
Profile and recent form
Another young and promising talent for the Zimbabwean team. Though the left-hander is yet to make a mark in International arena, he bowled a beautiful line and length during his matches against Afghanistan. He contained the Afghani batsmen very well and was one of the most economical bowlers of the series.
Considerably new into his International career, Chisoro doesn’t have much to show for his name and the series against India will be an important opportunity for him to show the world what he is capable of.
#4 Neville Madziva
Personal Information
Full name: Neville Madziva
Born: August 2, 1991
Birthplace: Kadoma
Current age: 24 years 313 days
Role: Allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium-fast
International debut: vs South Africa, August 17, 2014
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 11, T20s - 6
Runs scored: ODIs - 57, T20s - 54
Batting average: ODIs - 6.33, T20s - 27.00
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 11, T20s - 6
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 20, T20s - 6
Economy rate: ODIs - 6.04, T20s - 9.24
Profile and recent form
A promising medium pacer, Neville Madziva, made his ODI debut for the Zimbabwe against South Africa in August 2014. The right-hander, who plays for Mid West Rhinos in domestic cricket, is also a resourceful lower order batsman.
His recent form is a letdown for his fans with him scoring just 10 runs in his last 4 outings. He has been with the ball though and scrapped 7 wickets in the same number of games.
#5 Hamilton Masakadza
Personal Information
Full name: Hamilton Masakadza
Born: August 9, 1983
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 32 years 306 days
Role: Batting allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium
International debut: vs West Indies, July 27, 2001
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 165, T20s - 47
Runs scored: ODIs - 4649, T20s - 1363
Batting average: ODIs - 29.05, T20s - 30.28
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 165, T20s - 47
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 38, T20s - 2
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.27, T20s - 9.41
Profile and recent form
At an age of 17 years and 254 days, Hamilton Masakadza became the youngest ever cricketer to score a century after a brilliant ton against the West Indies, his record was later bettered by Mohammad Ashraful.
The right-hander has been a vital cog in the Zimbabwean team along with Elton Chigumbura and has been one of the most consistent performers for them.
He has also captained the side but was not too successful during his reign. A gifted batsman, Hamilton, has also done well in the shortest format of the game and has contributed with many noteworthy performances. He remains one of the most trusted top-order batsmen in Tests as well as ODIs for Zimbabwe.
The 32-year old batsman has been in terrific form for last few months and has scored a total of 266 runs at a remarkable average of 66.50 in his last 4 matches, which also includes a century. Zimbabwe will expect solid starts from him if they have to challenge the subcontinent giants.
#6 Peter Moor
Personal Information
Full name: Peter Joseph Moor
Born: February 2, 1991
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 25 years 129 days
Role: Middle-order batsman
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: -
International debut: vs Bangladesh, November 26, 2014
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 7, T20s - 6
Runs scored: ODIs - 180, T20s - 63
Batting average: ODIs - 25.71, T20s - 21
Profile and recent form
Growing up in a cricketing family, Peter took up the game at an early age. He is a right-hand middle-order batsman and has been in different ranks of Zimbabwe cricket (U19, U15 and U13). He holds the highest individual score with 214 not out at St. Johns College.
Moor compares his game to that of Virender Sehwag and idolises the cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar. He will look forward to grab the attention of his idols with his performances when the Indian team tours Zimbabwe.
He is still quite young in his career for the national side but he can use his experience from U19 and other teams to contribute.
#7 Richmond Mutumbami
Personal Information
Full name: Richmond Mutumbami
Born: June 11, 1989
Birthplace: Masvingo
Current age: 26 years 365 days
Role: Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: -
International debut: vs Bangladesh, April 17, 2013
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 28, T20s - 13
Runs scored: ODIs - 531, T20s - 173
Batting average: ODIs - 22.12, T20s - 15.72
Profile and recent form
Richmond Mutumbami made his first-class debut as a 17-year-old. He is an aggressive middle-order batsman and after struggling in his first few seasons, he began to find his feet when the franchise system developed.
The right-hander is a regular member of the Southern Rocks, a team in Zimbabwe, and is a decent wicket keeper, though he yet to make a mark with his batting.
His recent form is disappointing in all senses with just 89 runs in last 6 outings at an inferior average of 17.80.
#8 Vusi Sibanda
Personal Information
Full name: Vusimuzi Sibanda
Born: October 10, 1983
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 32 years 244 days
Role: Opening batsman
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium
International debut: vs West Indies, November 04, 2003
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 124, T20s - 25
Runs scored: ODIs - 2898, T20s - 483
Batting average: ODIs - 24.35, T20s - 20.12
Profile and recent form
Vusi Sibanda is a contemporary of Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda Taibu and Stuart Matsikenyeri. He scored an impressive 58 on debut against the West Indies but his selection in the national team came too early.
He survived in the team due to the national crisis despite failing to live up to his potential. Though the right-hander is a superb timer of the ball off both the back and front foot, he was lazy on learning the abilities to build a big innings. His selections in the team were due almost entirely due to his potential rather than actual performance.
He has a very efficient technique but it’s the poor shot selection that has often brought his downfall.
The 32-year old suffered an injury to his right ankle during the warm-ups and is currently making a comeback into the team.
#9 Elton Chigumbura
Personal Information
Full name: Elton Chigumbura
Born: March 14, 1986
Birthplace: Kwekwe, Midlands
Current age: 30 years 88 days
Role: Bowling allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium
International debut: vs Sri Lanka, April 20, 2004
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 199, T20s - 44
Runs scored: ODIs - 4179, T20s - 711
Batting average: ODIs - 25.95, T20s - 19.75
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 199, T20s - 44
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 101, T20s - 16
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.88, T20s - 9.28
Profile and recent form
A hard-hitting allrounder and the former captain of the Zimbabwe team in the shorter forms of the game, Elton Chigumbura, made First-Class at an age of 15 for the Mashonaland Eagles in 2002 and has represented his nation in two Under-19 World Cups.
A lovely stroke-maker, Chigumbura's attacking batting has often turned matches around. A sweet striker of the ball, the right-hander likes to play lofted shots straight down the ground.
The 30-year old is one of Zimbabwe's most experienced allrounders and captained his side in the 2015 World Cup. His recent form has been decent with 191 in runs column and 3 wickets in his last 8 matches.
#10 Craig Ervine
Personal Information
Full name: Craig Richard Ervine
Born: August 19, 1985
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 30 years 296 days
Role: Middle-order batsman
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: -
International debut: vs Sri Lanka, May 03, 2010
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 47, T20s - 16
Runs scored: ODIs - 1400, T20s - 229
Batting average: ODIs - 36.84, T20s - 15.26
Profile and recent form
Brother of Sean Ervine, Craig belongs to a family with a strong cricketing tradition, his father and uncle also played First-Class cricket.
Ervine is a technically strong batsman and had averaged 60.50 in the ODIs against West Indies in 2013, and was also the leading run-scorer across all three formats. After returning home from that tour, Ervine rejected the winter contract offered from Zimbabwe Cricket and instead left the country to play club cricket in Western Australia.
It seemed like another bright talent had been lost for Zimbabwean cricket, however, he once again made himself available for Zimbabwe after an 18-month break ahead of the 2014-15 season.
Craig Ervine's career, just like every other Zimbabwean cricketer, has suffered several rounds of inconsistency. His recent form is not very impressive but he definitely has the talent and capability to score.
#11 Timycen Maruma
Personal Information
Full name: Timycen Maruma
Born: April 19, 1988
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 28 years 52 days
Role: Batting allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm leg-break
International debut: vs South Africa, September 17, 2006
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 16, T20s - 9
Runs scored: ODIs - 140, T20s - 63
Batting average: ODIs - 9.33, T20s - 10.50
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 16, T20s - 9
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 4, T20s - 1
Economy rate: ODIs - 6.13, T20s - 6.66
Profile and recent form
Timycen Maruma is a leg spinner and a useful lower order batsman. The Zimbabwean uses his height to extract bounce off the wicket to surprise the batsmen while bowling.
Early in his career, Mamura impressed the selectors with his performances for the Easterns at the domestic level. Sighting his capability, he was eventually handed his international cap in an ODI against South Africa, though he failed to make an impact in that match.
The 28-year old has shown a lot of promise in domestic cricket and is considered as one of the finest slow bowlers of the country. Though he's had a disappointing start to his career, the future for this young allrounder looks bright.
#12 Wellington Masakadza
Personal Information
Full name: Wellington Pedzisai Masakadza
Born: October 4, 1993
Birthplace: Harare
Current age: 22 years 250 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox
International debut: vs Ireland, October 09, 2015
Career Statistics
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 10, T20s - 7
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 15, T20s - 8
Economy rate: ODIs - 4.26, T20s - 7.88
Profile and recent form
Wellington Masakadza is the youngest of the three Masakadza siblings who have represented their nation at the international level. His brothers, Shingirai Masakadza and Hamilton Masakadza have both played ODIs and Tests for Zimbabwe.
The 22-year-old left-arm spinner is a talent to have an eye on, he has been in decent form in his past 5 matches and grabbed 6 wickets with an impressive economy rate.
#13 Tawanda Mupariwa
Personal Information
Full name: Tawanda Mupariwa
Born: April 16, 1985
Birthplace: Bulawayo
Current age: 31 years 55 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium
International debut: vs Sri Lanka, April 27, 2004
Career Statistics
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 39, T20s - 4
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 57, T20s - 1
Economy rate: ODIs - 4.98, T20s - 7.23
Profile and recent form
Mupariwa became the fastest Zimbabwe bowler to 50 ODI wickets in 2008, getting there in 28 games and bettering the record of Eddo Brandes by nine matches.
The pace has never been Mupariwa's main weapon, though, after a knee surgery, he mainly relies on his accuracy and ability to swing the new ball, and well disguised slower deliveries.
He last played a game on May 29, 2015, on the much talked Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan in Lahore and is currently making a comeback.
#14 Taurai Muzarabani
Personal Information
Full name: Taurai Muzarabani
Born: March 27, 1987
Birthplace: Centenary, Mashonaland
Current age: 29 years 75 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium
International debut: vs Ireland, October 21, 2008
Career Statistics
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 6, T20s - 7
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 7, T20s - 4
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.15, T20s - 9.66
Profile and recent form
Taurai Muzarabani is a medium pacer from Zimbabwe and is also a useful lower-order batsman. He made his T20I debut when India toured the Zimbabwe last year.
He is a young talent and considerably new in his career, the right-arm medium pacer has the ability to keep the economy down and can come handy in the middle overs.
The 29-year old will look to grab the opportunity against India and make a mark in the international arena.
#15 Sikandar Raza
Personal Information
Full name: Sikandar Raza Butt
Born: April 24, 1986
Birthplace: Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Current age: 30 years 47 days
Role: Batting allrounder
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm off-break
International debut: vs Bangladesh, May 03, 2013
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 55, T20s - 24
Runs scored: ODIs - 1431, T20s - 320
Batting average: ODIs - 30.44, T20s - 13.91
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 55, T20s - 24
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 22, T20s - 9
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.08, T20s - 8.22
Profile and recent form
Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, Sikandar Raza's dream of being a fighter pilot came to a premature end when he failed in his eye examination. Determined to succeed in his life, he moved to Zimbabwe.
He made his First-Class debut in 2007 for the Northerns and it did not take a long time for the selectors to recognise his talent and he was selected for a practise game against Bangladesh.
Raza has made most of the opportunity that he has got and is a key member of the Zimbabwe team. He has an impressive record with the bat as well as ball and is in decent form right now.
#16 Sean Williams
Personal Information
Full name: Sean Colin Williams
Born: September 26, 1986
Birthplace: Bulawayo
Current age: 29 years 258 days
Role: Batting allrounder
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox
International debut: vs South Africa, Feb 25, 2005
Career Statistics
Batting Career
Matches played: ODIs - 95, T20s - 24
Runs scored: ODIs - 2675, T20s - 501
Batting average: ODIs - 33.43, T20s - 22.77
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 95, T20s - 24
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 37, T20s - 17
Economy rate: ODIs – 4.98, T20s - 7.18
Profile and recent form
Sean Williams is a reliable middle order batsman and a reasonably useful left-arm spinner for Zimbabwe. He has been an integral part of the team and brings a lot of experience to the side.
Williams has made some decent contributions to Zimbabwean cricket with bat and ball and will be very crucial for their further success.
The 29-year-old is in a modest form coming into the series against India and there will be a lot of responsibilities on him.
#17 Donald Tiripano
Personal Information
Full name: Donald Tatenda Tiripano
Born: March 17, 1988
Birthplace: Mutare
Current age: 28 years 85 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium
International debut: vs Afghanistan, July 18, 2014
Career Statistics
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 7, T20s - 5
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 12, T20s - 6
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.70, T20s - 8.60
Profile and recent form
Donald Tiripano, a Mutare born young medium fast bowler has the capability to surprise the batsman with his change of pace. He is still developing and has a long way to go.
One of the future aspects of Zimbabwean cricket, he is in decent form coming in the series but it’s very unlikely that he will get a place into the playing eleven due to the presences of experienced players.
#18 Tendai Chatara
Personal Information
Full name: Tendai Larry Chatara
Born: February 28, 1991
Birthplace: Chimanimani
Current age: 25 years 103 days
Role: Bowler
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium
International debut: vs India, June 13, 2010
Career Statistics
Bowling Career
Matches played: ODIs - 27, T20s - 10
Wickets Taken: ODIs - 37, T20s - 11
Economy rate: ODIs - 5.20, T20s - 7.61
Profile and recent form
Tendai Chatara is a tall fast bowler and is known for extracting reasonable pace and movement off the deck. He was the main architect of Zimbabwe’s historic win against Pakistan in 2013 and they will be expecting a similar performance from him against India.
The right-hander has been an integral part of his side and guided them to a handful of wins. Being naturally athletic, Chatara bowls with decent pace and can surprise the batsmen with his bouncers.
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