'Sikandar Raza will be the Story of IPL 2023' - Twitter elated as Zimbabwe all-rounder bags maiden IPL deal with Punjab Kings

Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza was signed by the Punjab Kings for the upcoming edition of the IPL 2023. There was no bidding war for the star player as PBKS acquired him at his base price of INR 50 lakh. He will become just the fourth player from Zimbabwe, after Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu, and Brandon Taylor to play in the IPL.

Raza played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2022. The mystery spinner was really good with the ball, and also played some crucial knocks with the bat, chipping in the important runs when needed. He helped his side clear the first-round games and enter the Super 12 stage, even though Zimbabwe could not make it till the end.

In T20Is, Raza has an average of 20.98 and a strike rate of 128.86 with the bat. He has picked up 38 wickets at an economy rate of 7.18. In the T20 WC 2022, Sikandar Raza amassed 219 runs in 8 games while also taking 10 wickets. Raza excels at deceiving opponents with his large array of bowling variations. He was the skipper's go-to bowler at the T20 World Cup as well.

The power-hitter can deliver a few lusty blows at the end of the innings, which will be a huge bonus for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Raza would be making his IPL debut this time. Given that BCCI is planning to return to home and away venues for the 16th edition of the competition, it will be intriguing to see how he performs in IPL 2023 in different conditions. The all-rounder possesses a surprise aspect, and PBKS will be hopeful that he changes their luck.

Punjab Kings went all in at the start of the IPL Auction, when they purchased all-rounder Sam Curran for a whopping INR 18.50 crore, making him the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. Adding another all-rounder to their squad in the form of Sikander Raza, PBKS will have good depth in their playing combination.

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