Zimbabwe batter Innocent Kaia has made a bold prediction ahead of the three-match ODI series against India and said that the home side will win the series by a margin of 2-1. This will be India's first-ever tour of Zimbabwe since 2016 when they had traveled for a three-match T20I series.

India will be led by KL Rahul in absence of first-choice players like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and others, while VVS Laxman will oversee the team as Rahul Dravid is with the Indian team which is prepping for the Asia Cup 2022.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, is coming off a 2-1 ODI and T20I series win over Bangladesh and their batter Innocent Kaia has said that they will win the series.

In an interview with Times Now, Kaia said: “2-1 in favor of Zimbabwe. We win the series. As for personal expectations, I want to be the leading run scorer and score hundreds. Simple plan. I just want to score runs to be the leading run-scorer in the series. That’s my goal.”

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He also said that the absence of the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is a big bonus for Zimbabwe.

“Yes, please. I am sure I can say so. Of course, you know, when there’s no Virat, or Rohit Sharma, or Rishabh Pant, these guys are serious cricketers. I know this team that is coming to Zimbabwe is a strong one and we can’t underrate them by saying we are going to have an easy time playing against them. No, I am sure of putting up a good fight against them,” he added.

Kaia also mentioned how he wants to score big runs and impress the IPL franchises in hopes of getting a contract for the next season.

“Yes, sure, that’s my dream. I am just praying that I perform well against India and score big runs so that they can notice me and I can go and play in the IPL,” he said.

The three ODIs will be played in Harare on 18, 20 and 22 August.