Sikandar Raza was one of the shining stars in the India vs Zimbabwe ODI series. He was the 3rd leading run-scorer in the series and the Pakistani-Zimbabwean cricketer was a vital cog in the Zimbabwean team.
Raza’s exploits in the 3rd ODI were quite noteworthy. He struck a sensational century and hogged the limelight. However, his valiant efforts went in vain as KL Rahul-led India scripted a victory. Even though the 3rd ODI was a dead rubber, Raza showcased his mettle and fighting spirit.
In this article, we analyse 3 teams that can possibly rope in Sikandar Raza in the mini-auction ahead of IPL 2023:
3. Mumbai Indians (MI)
5-team IPL champion MI had one of their worst campaigns in IPL 2022 and finished with the wooden spoon. They would be desperately looking to plug some holes and roping in Sikandar Raza can be the answer for the Rohit Sharma-led squad. With Kieron Pollard being in the twilight of his cricketing career and with him being dropped for the latter games in IPL 2022, Sikandar Raza can be a perfect replacement of Pollard. Raza can bat higher up the order and can be key to the plans of MI.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Much like MI, CSK too had a dismal season. With the captaincy issue plaguing the team, MS Dhoni-led CSK would be desperate to have a player like Raza. Sikandar Raza can be used as an aggressive middle-order batter in CSK and can possibly open the innings too with Ruturaj Gaikwad.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Faf Du Plessis-led RCB can target Sikandar Raza. With Wanindu Hasaranga, Faf Du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell already being the foreign mainstays of RCB, the 4th slot can be open for Raza in case RCB want to bolster their batting unit. His fiery knocks can cater well for the Bangalore side. Along-side Dinesh Karthik, Raza can be a potent middle-order batter and a finisher for RCB.
Also read: 3 reasons why Shubman Gill fits the bill as replacement of Virat Kohli
