Punjab Kings‘ fast bowling coach, Charl Langeveldt, has announced that Sikandar Raza has departed from the PBKS squad to join the Zimbabwe team. Raza will participate in Zimbabwe’s upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting on May 2. His absence from the Punjab Kings team is a significant development as he shifts his focus to international duties, aiming to make an impact in the upcoming series for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh.
Charl Langeveldt’s Update on PBKS Players:
Sikandar Raza’s departure from Punjab Kings (PBKS) means he will miss the remaining matches of the IPL season as he returns to lead Zimbabwe in their T20I series against Bangladesh. This series serves as crucial preparation for Zimbabwe ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Raza’s leadership and experience will be instrumental as Zimbabwe aims to fine-tune their squad and strategies for the global tournament. His absence from PBKS underscores his commitment to national duties and international cricket priorities.
Sam Curran is currently serving as the stand-in captain for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in place of Shikhar Dhawan, who is sidelined due to injury. Charl Langeveldt, the PBKS fast bowling coach, provided an update on Dhawan’s condition, indicating that the regular captain’s absence is due to an injury setback. Under Curran’s leadership, PBKS is navigating through a series of games with Dhawan’s recovery progress being closely monitored by the team management.
In the pre-match conference, Charl Langeveldt said, Sikandar Raza has gone to represent his country. We will have an update on Dhawan by tomorrow.”
Following their impressive victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings is now preparing for their next IPL match against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday. Looking ahead to the upcoming game, the team is drawing confidence and motivation from their recent record-breaking win. This boost in morale from their previous performance will likely propel Punjab Kings as they face off against Chennai Super Kings in what promises to be an exciting and competitive match in the IPL.
He said, “ In sports, you always take confidence from the last time. And our last game was a good one for us. But Chennai is always a tricky wicket to play, so we will be prepared for that.”
He further said, “ It’s always a tricky wicket. It looks like we will be playing on a fresher wicket with extra bounce for the bowlers, seamers especially. Over the last 3-4 years, we have done well against them. But it’s always hard when you are playing the Chennai Super Kings at their home. They bowl really well here.”
He added, “ We don’t think about statistics or records. We treat every game as a new one for us. But it does build confidence that we have a good record against the Chennai Super Kings.”
He finally said, “ I will not reveal much. But we have plans for each individual. Everyone has strengths, and everyone has weaknesses. We have had meetings to discuss the same for each batter individually.”
Sikandar Raza’s Performance in IPL 2024:
Sikandar Raza featured in two matches for Punjab Kings during the ongoing IPL season, contributing with the bat. He amassed a total of 43 runs but did not manage to secure any wickets with his bowling. Despite limited opportunities on the field, Raza showcased his batting skills during his stint with Punjab Kings. Now, he transitions back to international cricket, joining the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, eager to make a mark for his national team.
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