With the sixteenth version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 quickly nearing its finish, the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings nonetheless discover themselves nicely in rivalry to ebook a spot within the knockout phases of the event. With the aspect seeking to go all out of their remaining matches of the competitors, it may very well be attention-grabbing to see how the staff would fare within the essential video games.
With many skilled gamers within the squad, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been one such veteran who performed his first season within the marquee event in 2023. Raza was roped in by Punjab within the IPL 2023 auctions for a base worth of INR 50 lakh , and the 37-year-old not too long ago got here ahead to opine that his maiden IPL stint has closely polished his Punjabi talking abilities.
Born in Sialkot, Punjab, Raza migrated to Zimbabwe in 2002, as his mother and father lived there. Incomes citizenship of the nation, Raza has gone on to grow to be probably the most vital gamers for the nationwide staff, and originating from Punjab, he opined that the IPL season has helped him enhance his linguistic abilities.
“I come from a Punjabi background, and I can communicate Urdu. Plenty of the conversations in Zimbabwe are in English and Shona, which is the native language. I do not suppose I’ve spoken a lot Punjabi in my life as I’ve carried out within the final six weeks. Not less than my Punjabi bought polished a bit of bit,” Raza instructed ESPN Cricinfo.
It could be nice if he finally ends up enjoying for India: Raza on Jitesh Sharma
Moreover, the veteran all-rounder additionally heaped reward on the performances of Indian keeper Jitesh Sharma. Having performed 12 video games within the event to date, Jitesh has made fairly a reputation for himself, amassing 265 runs. Raza got here ahead to opine that it might be nice if the 29-year-old may go on to play for the Indian staff.
“The man that has impressed me probably the most is Jitesh Sharma. It could be nice if he finally ends up enjoying for India. With India being so top-heavy, think about having a wicketkeeper who can bat like him down the order. That is an actual plus . I feel he has been the participant to look out for,” Raza stated.
