IND vs ZIM 2022: "We are asking India to bring their A game" - Lance Klusener believes Zimbabwe are capable of competing against the visitors

Lance Klusener was appointed as Zimbabwe batting coach in March 2022

Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener believes Zimbabwe will be up for the challenge against India in the upcoming three-match ODI series. The Regis Chakabva-led side are in the midst of a transition under head coach Dave Houghton and batting coach Klusener.

The Men in Blue have named a second-string squad for the short assignment. Shikhar Dhawan was initially named captain after leading the team to a 3-0 win over the West Indies. However, the leadership role was handed to KL Rahul once the wicket-keeper batter passed his fitness test.

They are here now . . . 🇮🇳 have just landed in Harare ahead of the three-match ODI series against 🇿🇼 scheduled for 18, 20 and 22 August at Harare Sports Club

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The majority of the first-team players are currently preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup, which begins on August 27 in the UAE.

Looking forward to the visitors' first tour of the nation since 2016, Klusener told the Times of India:

"It's a series we all are looking forward to. It will be a great learning curve for a team like Zimbabwe to play against a top side like India. It's a good challenge for us and an opportunity for our players to learn and grow."

Claiming that the 50-over format can be funny at times, he added:

"However, we want to play good cricket and we are asking India to bring their A game as well. If they do that, they may be too strong for us but if we play well and put them under pressure, then ODI cricket is a funny game and anything can happen."

Zimbabwe last won an ODI against India in 2010, during a triangular series that also involved Sri Lanka. Since then, the Men in Blue have recorded 12 consecutive wins in 50-over matches against the side.

"I think we would like to be more consistent from the batting point of view" - Lance Klusener

Zimbabwe are coming off the back of a memorable series win over Bangladesh. The Chevrons put up a spirited set of performances to oust the Asian side across both white-ball formats.

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Following the series against India, the team will tour Australia for a three-ODI series. They will also have an eye on their T20 World Cup qualification round, where they have been pitted alongside West Indies, Scotland and Ireland.

Noting that the batting unit needs improvement, the former cricketer said:

"I think we would like to be more consistent from the batting point of view. Yes, we won the series against Bangladesh but we didn't necessarily get off to good starts. That for us is a concern and we are going to need to pay attention to that before the India series. "

Will Zimbabwe be able to continue their fine run of form with a win over India? Let us know what you think.