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Rizwan Vows T20I Comeback Amid Form Slump, Focused on Pakistan Return

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has openly addressed his recent slump in form, particularly in T20 cricket where he has been out of the national side since late 2024. He was omitted from Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad and has struggled in the ongoing Pakistan Super League. Despite the criticism, Rizwan remains determined, stating retirement is not an option as he still believes he can compete at the highest level. He has been selected for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh as he aims to regain his best form across all formats.

Key Points: Mohammad Rizwan Eyes Comeback Amid Form Slump

  • Vows to reclaim Pakistan T20I spot
  • Struggling in PSL with poor run
  • Selected for Test series vs Bangladesh
  • Retirement not on his mind
2 min read

Mohammad Rizwan vows comeback amid form slump, eyes return to T20I setup

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan addresses his recent batting struggles, vows to reclaim his T20I spot, and reaffirms his passion for cricket in all formats.

"I still love playing cricket in all formats, and I have no intentions of giving up because of criticism directed at me. - Mohammad Rizwan"

New Delhi, April 20

Mohammad Rizwan has talked about his recent slump in form. He is determined to overcome this tough period and reclaim his spot in all formats for the Pakistan national cricket team.

The 33-year-old is an important player in Tests and ODIs, but he has not been in Pakistan's T20I team since the end of 2024. He was also left out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year. His struggles have continued in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, where he has only scored 107 runs in seven innings for Rawalpindi, including five scores below 20.

In response to criticism and his poor performance, Rizwan spoke honestly and with determination. "Players are human beings and go through tough times in their careers, and it is no different for me. But I still love playing cricket in all formats, and I have no intentions of giving up because of criticism directed at me," Rizwan was quoted as sayung by ICC.

The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized that retirement is not on his mind. "I believe a player should only think about retirement when he knows he has lost the ability to compete with others and has lost interest in cricket. I can still compete with others."

Despite these challenges, Rizwan has been selected for Pakistan's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, where Pakistan is currently ranked fifth. With more challenges ahead, including a Test tour of England later this year and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027, Rizwan is focused on regaining his best form.

Reinforcing his love for the game, he added, "For me, cricket is a passion. I play T20, Test, and ODI. I love cricket. That is why I play it. I don't know anything else in my life. I don't have a business. I don't play any other sport. I only play cricket."

Acknowledging his struggles, Rizwan is still determined to make a comeback. "Yes, I am losing now. My performance is not good. But with God's will, my hard work is never less. I have worked hard. With God's will, I will stand in front of you again, after my hard work."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His passion is clear from his words. Every player goes through a lean patch. Look at Virat Kohli's comeback story. If Rizwan works hard with the same dedication, he can definitely return. The mental battle is the hardest.
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Aman W
Honestly, the PCB management seems very harsh. Dropping a senior player after one bad season? We've seen this with our own players like Rahane or Pujara. Experience matters, especially in Test cricket against Bangladesh and England.
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Sarah B
It's a bit concerning that at 33 he says cricket is all he knows and he has no other business or interests. Players need to plan for life after cricket. This is a lesson for all athletes, not just in Pakistan.
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Vikram M
His numbers in the PSL are really poor, no sugar-coating it. 107 in 7 innings is not international standard. Maybe he needs a break to reset, like MS Dhoni used to take. Coming back fresh can do wonders.
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Karthik V
The rivalry is intense, but you have to appreciate his grit. The way he stood up to our bowlers in that T20 World Cup match... he's a warrior. Pakistan needs him, especially with Babar carrying so much load. All the best to him! 🙏

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