Kenya's Squad Is An Interesting Mix

It is an interesting side the selectors have chosen for Zimbabwe. It contains some players we all knew would be in the team, namely Steve Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, Kennedy Otieno Obuya and Maurice Ouma. It contains some young talent, I for one am glad to see selected, namely Alfred Luseno, Nehemiah Odhiambo Ngoche, Kalpesh Patel, and Tanmay Mishra. It is time that these four in particular of the new crop step up to the next level. There are players who have been chosen as a result of good domestic seasons, namely David Obuya, Peter Ongondo and Josephat Ababu; they will need to carry this form through to the tour. Finally, no squad would be complete without a few surprises: Jimmy Kamande, Brijal Patel and Tony Suji.
With no disrespect meant to these latter, I am surprised to see them in the squad for different reasons. Jimmy Kamande has had a good domestic season, but has in the past had trouble with his bowling action, and has spent some time in the doldrums as a result. If he has straightened himself out, he is a class fielder, and will give Kenya a solid all round option. If not, this could be his last hurrah. Tony Suji has been one of Kenya's trenchermen, but has never to my mind set the World on fire. It may be that he is selected more for his batting, which seems to have improved of late, that his bowling, which at times lacks the penetration and accuracy of his brother Martin. Finally I am surprised to see Brijal Patel simply because he was not mentioned in the original squad. It is good to see him in the team, as I think he adds sand to the batting order, as well as giving another bowling option, a combination which helps fill the void left by Maurice Odumbe. He does however need to start making some big scores for Kenya, something that he most certainly has the talent to do.

For every player selected, there are always those who feel disappointed to have missed out. Martin Suji and Lameck Onyango are two of the main omissions due to injury, though both are hoping to be fit in time for Bangladesh. It is up to the youngsters selected to prove that they are worth retaining if and when these two return. Ravindu Shah continues to be MIA due to his knee, and one must surely wonder if his career can recover from so long without playing. He will be sorely missed, as he was a genuinely class act with the bat, one of Kenya's best technicians. One of the big names to miss out is Collins Obuya. He is staying behind to work on his action, which has never really recovered since his injury while playing for Warwickshire. Hopefully, he can build on what he learnt under Terry Jenner, as Kenya would really benefit from him back at his best and in the side. Others who have been left at home, but I'm sure will feature in the future are youngsters Ragab Aga, Amit Bhudia, Rajesh Bhudia, Ashish Karia, Peter Kituku and Malhar Patel. All of these have talent, and will no doubt continue to snap at the heels of those selected. They need to put aside the initial disappointment and concentrate on improving in time for the next selection.

For those selected, this is the end of a long time waiting in the wings. They should have the hunger and drive to succeed, and they have shown they have the talent. It is a long overdue return to international cricket for Kenya, and the chance must be seized with both hands. Good luck to Steve Tikolo and his men.