Sikandar Raza took India by surprise
A few days back, he all but took down India by himself in an assault second to none in terms of its bravery.
His 115 off 95 deliveries at Harare nearly gave heartache to a Bumrah-less India.
After missing on scoring in the first contest, Raza wasted no time whatever in sending Indian fielders on leather hunt.
That’s when a Chahal, Shardul and Chahar powered Indian line-up challenged Zimbabwe’s authority.
Prior to that, his 117 and 135 stung Bangladesh like a Scorpion from the desert.
Such a sight can be terrifying in just a fraction of a second.
The question that must be asked - but isn’t - concerns every one of us who’s continued to cast a blind eye on a team as enterprising as Zimbabwe.
“What good is being achieved by restricting our thinking only towards the powerful teams and not those that are taking powerful stride in the sport?”
Maybe the fault lies in the stars or maybe with those who obsess only about narratives that begin and end with the Fab Four for instance.
Or maybe it’s not faulty at all; it’s just the way life is: indifferent and cold.
Not that Sikandar Raza will find his hopes deflated by the lack of attention his career’s got.
That’s when he’s fired 620 plus ODI runs this year, scored as many centuries as Shai Hope (for 2022), collected runs with more authority than an often shaky Virat Kohli and kept quiet about the growing indifference his team is subjected to.
Sky is the limit for Raza
He’s a Sikandar of his own destiny; not a cricketer dependant on flouncy media coverage that sounds like some sugary dessert.
Raza’s celebrations upon reaching a century are that of a man eternally committed to the cause of his country’s cricket.
He never lacks the zeal and always pushes himself forwards for Zimbabwe for that is where the real heroes belong.
Ahead of the curve yet unaffected by its bends!
Also Read: BCCI hopeful of Jasprit Bumrah regaining fitness ahead of T20 World Cup 2022