Cricket News: India VS Zimbabwe - Updates from Water less Harare 

The 27-year-old has made his name strong among lower-middle order and left-arm spinners. His IPL journey began with Royal Challengers Bangalore bagging him in 2020. Though his IPL numbers are not that great, in first-class cricket, the young player has 1041 runs in 18 matches, averaging 41.64 and 57 wickets at an economy of 2.64. In contrast to first class, in T20s, he has 512 runs from 56 games, averaging 19.69 and 39 wickets with an economy of 7.24. 

Washington Sundar, too, got a chance in the Zimbabwe tour after a much-awaited recovery from his injury, which kept him out of international games for quite a long time. First, he missed the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury and later in IPL hurt the webbing of his bowling hand twice. 

After IPL 2022, he returned to cricket with English county Lancashire Lighting and was selected for the Zimbabwe series. But unfortunately, he injured his left shoulder in an awkward landing and had to be replaced.

V V S Laxman as a coach for the Men in Blue on the Zimbabwe tour

The coaching staff for the three-match ODI series has revealed Indian legend VVS Laxman as the head coach for the time. Earlier, VVS Laxman coached team India on a tour of Ireland, followed by one T20I match against England in the absence of Rahul Dravid. 

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said, "VVS Laxman will be in charge of the Indian team in Zimbabwe for the three-match ODI series. It's not like Rahul Dravid is taking a break. The ODI series in Zimbabwe finishes on August 22 and Dravid along with [the] Indian team will reach the UAE on August 23. Since there is little gap between the two events, Laxman will be in charge of the Indian squad in Zimbabwe." 

While coach Rahul Dravid will fly for Asia Cup on August 23, KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda, who are part of the Zimbabwe tour and the Asia Cup, will fly and connect with the team directly after the Zimbabwe tour. 

"I Kind Of See Myself In Rishabh Pant," says Zimbabwe's all-rounder Ryan Burl

Zimbabwe's all-rounder Ryan Burl said he draws inspiration from Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant. He said he would want to talk with Rishabh Pant, with whom he shares many similar characteristics. 

"To be honest, I am going to mention Rishabh Pant. I kind of see myself in him. Probably quite short, stocky, left-handers that like to hit the ball. I'd definitely like to pick his brains for a bit, hopefully, and obviously try and outdo him in the boundary count. We'll see how it goes,"

Recently the player smashed 34 runs in an over against Bangladesh, attempting to emulate former Indian power hitter Yuvraj Singh. The player also mentioned his eagerness to impress IPL franchises and bag a contract in the most loved league. 

Apart from his inspiration from Indian players, the left-arm all-rounder assertively remarked, "I don't see any reason why Zimbabwe can't win against India."

Zimbabwe last won an ODI series against India in 1996-97 at home. Thus, the Zimbabwe team is hugely motivated to repeat history and make a mark in their international careers. The ODI series will commence on August 18 2022, and conclude on August 22 2022. 

Water Crisis in Harare 

The Indian cricket team is touring Zimbabwe when the country is facing its worst water crisis in years. The capital city of Harare has been without running water for over three days, and people are queuing up for drinking water. Amid the crisis, the BCCI has asked KL Rahul & Co to save as much water as possible and take quick showers to avoid water wastage.

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