Zimbabwe on Monday (July 1) announced their squad for the five-match T20I series against world champions India, slated to get underway on July 6 in Harare.

Seasoned campaigner Sikandar Raza has been named captain of the young Zimbabwe team, also including Belgium-born Antum Naqvi.

However, Naqvi’s participation in the series is subject to the confirmation of his citizenship status, Zimbabwe Cricket said in a release.

Naqvi was born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, Belgium, before moving to Australia, but he was considered for selection after he expressed his desire to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket and applied for naturalisation.

Zimbabwe are aiming to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons after failing to qualify for the just-concluded T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA.

Aiming to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons after failing to qualify for the just-concluded T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe have picked a young squad under Raza.

Skipper Raza, who has 86 T20Is under his belt, is the team's most experienced player, followed by Luke Jongwe who has made 63 appearances in the shortest format for Zimbabwe.

The other experienced cricketers in the squad are pace bowlers Richard Ngarava (52 T20Is) and Blessing Muzarabani (51 T20Is).

Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered for selection, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie and Ainsley Ndlovu also failed to make the cut.

Zimbabwe Squad: Sikandar Raza (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.