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Following their triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Zimbabwean all-rounder Luke Jongwe lauded veteran Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their contributions and leadership. Jongwe expressed his anticipation for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India’s second-string team, scheduled to be held on home turf.
India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final match held in Barbados on June 29. Rohit Sharma joined the elite ranks as the third Indian captain to secure a World Cup trophy, marking India’s first ICC title victory since the Champions Trophy triumph in 2013.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket on a high note following the tournament. Virat was awarded the “Player of the Match” for his stellar batting performance in the final against South Africa. Meanwhile, Rohit emerged as the leading run-scorer for India in the ICC tournament, further solidifying his legacy in the shortest format of the game.
We Haven’t Focused Much On India – Luke Jongwe
Speaking at an event hosted by Sony Sports Network, Luke Jongwe expressed his team’s eagerness to face India on their home turf. Highlighting the rarity and excitement of playing against the Indian team, Jongwe eagerly anticipated the upcoming match, unable to contain his enthusiasm for the contest.
“I am very excited. Everyone is excited. The last time India was at their home, I was there. It is not every day that you get to play against India. I cannot wait for the game,” Jongwe told ANI.
At 29 years old, Jongwe emphasized their team’s focus on their own game and teamwork rather than becoming overly fixated on India. He stressed the significance of executing their strategies meticulously in the forthcoming series against the Indian team.
“We haven’t focused much on India, but rather own our game and playing as a team, perfecting our game as much as possible. We are focusing on executing our plans rather than focusing on the opposition,” Jongwe added.
The all-rounder hailed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as cricketing legends, acknowledging them as among the finest batters in the sport’s history. Jongwe expressed a touch of melancholy over the prospect of not facing them on the field again, reminiscing about his encounters with the veteran Indian batsmen during the T20 World Cup 2022 held in Australia.
“They are probably two of the best batters to have played the sport. Not getting to play against them is sad. I got to play against them in Australia during the T20 World Cup 2022. I think they have done so much for Indian cricket and for me too, watching them play is amazing,” Jongwe further stated.
The Future Of Zimbabwe Is Starting From Tomorrow – Luke Jongwe
Luke Jongwe underscored that Zimbabwe cricket’s trajectory hinges significantly on the upcoming series against Team India. He emphasized the pivotal role these matches will play in their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup, marking a crucial starting point for Zimbabwe’s future in international cricket.
“The future of Zimbabwe is actually starting from tomorrow. There is a newish team against India that we are playing. It will take us to the 2026 T20 WC and 2027 ODI World Cup. We cannot wait to play tomorrow. There will be people filling up the ground and some awesome cricketers will emerge during these five games.”
The inaugural T20I between India and Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday, July 6th. The subsequent four matches will also be held at the same venue from July 7th to 14th. Notably, this series marks Shubman Gill’s debut as captain of the Indian cricket team, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
