'We can challenge India really hard' - Zimbabwe coach David Houghton feels confident ahead of ODI series against India

India are all set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series, starting 18th August. Harare Sports Club will host all the matches during the series. The three ODIs will be played on August 18th, 20th, and 22nd. Ahead of the series, Zimbabwe's coach Dave Houghton has stated that his team is all set for the challenge and will aim to win the series.

Dave Houghton reckons that it's a perfect opportunity for the Zimbabwe batters to put on some runs under their belt. The Bulawayo-born coach rated India as one of the best sides in the world and said that his team will do all it can to win the series.

“I told the boys in the dressing room that India coming here is a good opportunity for us to really score and get good results against one of the best sides in the world,” the 65-year-old said in an interview with SportStar.

The Zimbabwe coach is hopeful that Zimbabwe won't play just to 'add up to the numbers' but challenge India really hard.

“I told them that I want us to believe that we aren’t here just to add up to the numbers and watch India play really good cricket, but we are here to challenge. I am hoping in these three games, we can challenge India really hard,” Houghton said further. He helped Zimbabwe to be a part of the 20-20 World Cup 2022.

"The biggest thing for me is that we have to go out there with the belief that we can win. That’s a change we have made over the last few months, and hopefully, they will continue to believe and come out like that against India. If they do, we will play well and can put up a serious contest against the Indian side,” Houghton concluded.

KL Rahul, who was left out of the squad due to post-Covid-19 complications, has returned to the squad. Add to that, he will also wear the captaincy hat. Shikhar Dhawan will be his deputy in the series.