"Difficult to play an anchor role in T20s & sometimes it looks very embarrassing": Mohammad Rizwan

[jnaveen1980]

In T20s, the opposition just want to stop him from scoring runs which is easy to do because everyone knows he can't score on the offside to save his life so they just bowl it wider outside his off stump.

In Tests, the opposition are trying to get him out so instead they pitch it just outside the off stump but Rizwan tries to be too smart so ends up finding innovative and comical ways to get out.

What annoys me is ICC are giving him awards and naming him in the team of the year because what kind of message does that send to aspiring cricketers in Pakistan?

In T20 even the best bowlers bowl don't bowl more than 2 overs spell that too mostly defensively. Easier not to get out there. But if there is any assistance he doesn't survive. He can be bounced out.

 

[Rana]

In T20s, the opposition just want to stop him from scoring runs which is easy to do because everyone knows he can't score on the offside to save his life so they just bowl it wider outside his off stump.

In Tests, the opposition are trying to get him out so instead they pitch it just outside the off stump but Rizwan tries to be too smart so ends up finding innovative and comical ways to get out.

What annoys me is ICC are giving him awards and naming him in the team of the year because what kind of message does that send to aspiring cricketers in Pakistan? - that Rizwan is the gold standard of batting in white ball cricket. It's a complete joke.

Don’t worry about aspiring cricketers in Pakistan bro. As long as I am breathing, I won’t stop calling out nonsense approach players to make sure at least here on this forum they are always kept on their toes and not made to feel comfortable in a negative approach that works for their personal stats but not for the team

I have already shortlisted a list of garbage players who are probably inspired by Rizwan and Babar, but are probably highly rated by fans who love this kind of cricket and will hype them up to take over from them:

Haseebullah
Bangalzai
Abdullah Shafique
Rehan Afridi
Sahibzada Farhan
Imam ul Haq

Just to name a few that come to mind right now.

 

[topspin]

Don’t worry about aspiring cricketers in Pakistan bro. As long as I am breathing, I won’t stop calling out nonsense approach players to make sure at least here on this forum they are always kept on their toes and not made to feel comfortable in a negative approach that works for their personal stats but not for the team

I have already shortlisted a list of garbage players who are probably inspired by Rizwan and Babar, but are probably highly rated by fans who love this kind of cricket and will hype them up to take over from them:

Haseebullah
Bangalzai
Abdullah Shafique
Rehan Afridi
Sahibzada Farhan
Imam ul Haq

Just to name a few that come to mind right now.

I haven't seen Haseebullah and Bengalzai and Rehan Afridi but I'm in complete agreement with regard to Shafique, Farhan and Imam. They are trash.

 

[Rana]

I haven't seen Haseebullah and Bengalzai and Rehan Afridi but I'm in complete agreement with regard to Shafique, Farhan and Imam. They are trash.

I have seen them all very carefully. They are rated very highly by PCB and the old regime used to hype them up a lot in the comms box during the T20 cup. Ramiz Raja fast tracked Abdullah Shafique into the Central Punjab side, and he was opening for them just like Rizwan and Babar would.

 

[topspin]

I have seen them all very carefully. They are rated very highly by PCB and the old regime used to hype them up a lot in the comms box during the T20 cup. Ramiz Raja fast tracked Abdullah Shafique into the Central Punjab side, and he was opening for them just like Rizwan and Babar would.

I bet some of the members of the green tinted hype brigade believe they can match India's near 400 score against NZ earlier today because of "how small" the ground dimensions are

 

[Rana]

I bet some of the members of the green tinted hype brigade believe they can match India's near 400 score against NZ earlier today because of "how small" the ground dimensions are

Tbh I don’t know if I have been watching the same cricket for the past two decades as some fans. It is sad. We used to be honest about our team and approach as fans once upon a time

 

[topspin]

Tbh I don’t know if I have been watching the same cricket for the past two decades as 90% of the fans here. It is sad. We used to be honest about our team and approach as fans once upon a time

Unfortunately this is the psyche that Misbah has brought to Pakistan fans. The standards, expectations and the cricketing IQ among Pakistan fans has been impacted severely by his school of thought.

 

[Saj]

I feel that the approach from all of the batters needs to change.

We play in T20s as if we can't bat for 20 overs instead of attacking the opposition and putting them under pressure.

This mentality needs to change and is affecting Pakistan cricket in all formats.

 

[Kroll]

Unfortunately this is the psyche that Misbah has brought to Pakistan fans. The standards, expectations and the cricketing IQ among Pakistan fans has been impacted severely by his school of thought.

Noting some of the comments on the Rizwan threads and elsewhere, they have accepted and embraced mediocrity.

Truly sad state of affairs.

 

[TeamPak95]

Whatever success Pakistan had in T20 WC 2021, Asia Cup 2022 & T20 WC 2022 was not because of Rizwan & Babar. Infact these 2 mainly failed on almost every key occasion.

In T20 WC 2021, Pakistan qualified for Semi Final because of Asif Ali & Shoaib Malik's performance against New Zealand & Afghanistan and some superior bowling. Rizwan & Babar did chased a moderate target against India but against New Zealand, Rizwan scored 33(34) & Baber scored 9(11). Against Afghanistan Rizwan scored 8(10) and Baber scored 51(47). Pakistan lost semi final because Rizwan & Babar played too slow and wasted lots of deliveries.

Pak qualified for Asia Cup 2022 final because of Nawaz's performance against India & Naseem Shah's 2 sixes against Afghanistan in Super 4 match. Babar & Rizwan badly failed in final

Pak qualified for T20 WC 2022 final because of Iftelikhar, Harris, Shadab & Nawaz's performance against SA and then SA choked against Netherlands. Babar & Rizwan failed again in final

I was more so talking about Pakistan's T20 batting in general. RizBar worked when it started but then over time got exposed more and more for lack of acceleration more times than not (hence their performances in the three tourney runs you mentioned). Although, you can't take anything away from their performance against NZ in this year's semis as it led to Pakistan to the finals so despite their flaws you cannot ignore that.

The way I'm looking at it is that Pakistan, with what they have, can be a better team (even if only marginally) if they utilize their talent better, give them their proper, appropriate roles, and plan/strategize better. Although regarding the planning/strategizing would require Babar to improve his captaincy skills (unlikely) and for the coaching staff to improve their pre-game planning (also unlikely).

Regarding the above tourney results and despite RizBar not working, it is indeed true that Pak's results (minus luck in the 2022 WT20) came from other players (bowlers mainly). Pakistan just don't have 2 consistently performing power hitting talent to open the innings to replace RizBar completely but at the very least have Fakhar Zaman. Now imagine if he opens with Rizwan and Babar drops to 3. That'll at least tell me that Pakistan are trying to go hard (or harder than they were before) in the opening 6 overs.

Like I mentioned before, I want Pakistan to make the most out of the players at their disposal and right now I don't think that they are. If they did, perhaps they could've won at least one of the above tournaments.

 

[topspin]

Noting some of the comments on the Rizwan threads and elsewhere, they have accepted and embraced mediocrity.

Truly sad state of affairs.

When the team exhibits it's small team mentality, it becomes infectious and embraced by ex-players and fans.

Pakistan cricket lost it's swag after the 2003 World Cup during the Inzi era and ever since then the threshold required to satisfy the average Pakistan fan has dipped to a minimal level.

Now it's got to a stage where the bashing of minnow/B + C string bowling attacks from Babar and Rizwan is sufficient for the green tinted hype brigade to go all bhangra. The reality is neither of them are good T20I batsman and they would both struggle to get a place in any of the top 4 or 5 sides in the shortest format.

Like Rana said there was a time where Pakistan fans had higher standards and were honest about their assessment of the side.

Everything is simply rotten about Pakistan cricket.

 

[hitthestump]

The best way for this matter to be put to bed (and it needs to as it is extremely toxic) is for Babar and Rizwan to spend some time out of the t20 side.

Let's see if an aggressive approach works when it's upheld by mediocre batsmen.

One thing which most naysayers don't appreciate is the ability for Babar and Rizwan to run all game long. They almost make up for their boundaries in strike rotation alone. But it's not as pretty so most people don't get it.

 

[hitthestump]

Noting some of the comments on the Rizwan threads and elsewhere, they have accepted and embraced mediocrity.

Truly sad state of affairs.

When claims are challenged by facts it is 'embracing mediocrity'.

I know its more comfortable to live in a delusion where we're just holding all these great batsmen back from 100 (40) which will win us the WC but the truth is that every possible measure tells us this is never going to happen.

 

[gazza619]

We are such a thankless nation.

After suffering from the corrupt Wasim Bari, the unreliable Saleem Yousuf, the lobbyist Rashid Latif, the average Moin Khan, the fixer Kamran Akmal, the poor Sarfaraz Ahmed, God sent us the star Rizwan.

Thanks Allah.

 

[daytrader]

The best way for this matter to be put to bed (and it needs to as it is extremely toxic) is for Babar and Rizwan to spend some time out of the t20 side.

Let's see if an aggressive approach works when it's upheld by mediocre batsmen.

One thing which most naysayers don't appreciate is the ability for Babar and Rizwan to run all game long. They almost make up for their boundaries in strike rotation alone. But it's not as pretty so most people don't get it.

Why not just look at team performances before they started opening

 

[daytrader]

If Steve Smith is given the job of anchor, he would do the same if not better than Rizwan
Unfortuately, he is told to hit out and not anchor the innings.

Maybe he is, maybe not - there's no definite for that, but even if he was told to hit out - he was still only able to manage a strike rate of 125. That's basically Rizwan while anchoring.

Strike rate aside, Rizwan has a 23 run higher average! That's like two anchors for the price of one.

Here's Steven Smith's stats -



And Rizwan's -

 

[Usman Chadda]

Two anchors in T20 cricket is a foolish strategy, however due to the fact that Pakistan cricket is suffering from lack of opening options in T20 cricket, I’m not sure what else is the alternative?

We are literally beggars when it comes to our batting, in all three formats of the game. The sooner everyone accepts that the better. Even Ireland have better shorter format batting talent compared to us, I’m afraid.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Maybe he is, maybe not - there's no definite for that, but even if he was told to hit out - he was still only able to manage a strike rate of 125. That's basically Rizwan while anchoring.

Strike rate aside, Rizwan has a 23 run higher average! That's like two anchors for the price of one.

Here's Steven Smith's stats -

View attachment 118482

And Rizwan's -

View attachment 118483

Having a high average at a low SR is actually worse than having a low average at a low SR in T20s. It means that even after reaching ~50, Rizwan is unable to accelerate. He rather get out at 25-30 - that’s less detrimental for his team. Reminds me of Rahane’s 40 odd against WI in a T20 SF. Great anchor job on paper, destroyed his team’s chances.

 

[hitthestump]

Why not just look at team performances before they started opening

It's true lol. We also just need to look at the fact that Babar and Rizwan are the first names on the teamsheet and the only batsmen who are auto-picked in every single game they're available for.

 

[Saj]

I just feel that whilst both Babar and Rizwan have done well at times, I am sure they can provide more impetus at the top of the order and in the first 6 overs of the innings.

It's almost like we are playinh catchup most of the time after scoring poorly in the first few overs.

 

[Firebat]

Player of the Match today in BPL after a 47-ball 54*.

 

[Saj]

54 off 47 balls in the BPL today and his team won - sometimes it works, most of the time it won't work.

 

[Rana]

54 off 47 balls in the BPL today and his team won - sometimes it works, most of the time it won't work.

The opposition bottled a simple chase off 60 off 49 to win with 6 wickets in hand. Azam Khan lost the game for them IMO

Rizwan did nothing extraordinary. His fans needs to be fair and accept the truth. Ahmed Shahzad could do this too and he would be lambasted left right and centre for it.

 

[Gullycricket]

54 off 47 balls in the BPL today and his team won - sometimes it works, most of the time it won't work.

Well what i have seen of him whatever he does he excels at it. Can't say the same for Sharjeel, Asif Ali, Khushdil ,Haider or anyone you want him to be replaced with.

 

[Saj]

You score 54 off 47 and your team wins, all is good.

You score 54 off 47 and you get beat, there are going to be question marks over your innings and approach.

 

[jiduguravindra]

You score 54 off 47 and your team wins, all is good.

You score 54 off 47 and you get beat, there are going to be question marks over your innings and approach.

People giving this man of the match has no idea what they are doing. They simply gives it to a players who scores more. Charles deserves the award.

 

[Saj]

I think in this day and age you should only be scoring 54 off 47 balls if it's a tricky pitch, you are chasing a low total or wickets are falling all around you and you are trying to rescue the innings.

 

[Rana]

I think in this day and age you should only be scoring 54 off 47 balls if it's a tricky pitch, you are chasing a low total or wickets are falling all around you and you are trying to rescue the innings.

Or in ODI cricket

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan seem to have 3 anchors in T20 format (Babar, Rizwan, and Shan). There should be just 1 anchor. Maximum 2.

Haris should be the T20 keeper for Pakistan. He can hit better.

 

[hitthestump]

You score 54 off 47 and your team wins, all is good.

You score 54 off 47 and you get beat, there are going to be question marks over your innings and approach.

Disagree.

You know what you are getting when you pick Rizwan. He will put a hefty price on his wicket, run hard, and keep wickets tidily while scoring around 120-130 sr. That is his game. He might be brilliant at what he does but he is not Lance Klusener.

If you don't like it then Pakistan should pick someone else. We have plenty of aggressive batsmen like Haider Ali, Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah if you want someone at a higher SR.

But the fact remains that Rizwan is the first name on the teamsheet because of what he brings to the team while the others have been dropped more times than we can count.

 

[Rana]

Disagree.

You know what you are getting when you pick Rizwan. He will put a hefty price on his wicket,

Kaash

Kaash he could do that in Test cricket too. Real cricket

 

[Kroll]

T20 meant to be entertaining, its just hit n giggle cricket. Yes, Rizwan might have revolutionised T20 by bringing the anchor role but man, its going to make you fall asleep.

All hail Rizwan the Revolutionary.

 

[TheSultan]

T20 was invented to rid the game of anchors. And our heroes want to use it.

We had it right in the first two t20 world cups. Sod the anchors and let’s hit out.

 

[TheSultan]

Kaash

Kaash he could do that in Test cricket too. Real cricket

Exactly! These anchors could have anchored to their heart’s content in test cricket, but ultimately he interpreted anchoring to mean blocking endlessly.

Sarfraz had to come in and school these guys on how to bat in a test match.

 

[gazza619]

You guys have no idea you are lucky to have a champion like Riz in Pakistan.

He will win something really really big for Pakistan in the next 2-3 years IA.

 

[Zaz]

Kaash

Kaash he could do that in Test cricket too. Real cricket

He has done it He was first choice test keeper for the last few years if case youve forgot That wasnt through accident but performance

Its only in the last 2 series his form has dipped otherwise he was avging in his 40s not long ago

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Rizwan | Player of the Match for his 61(47) today:

"I played well, we did make some mistakes but it is good we won. You always assess the conditions when you chase. I followed the instructions of the coach and assessed the conditions. When you give them wickets, it gets difficult. I had a good partnership with Mosaddek and that got us through."

 

[hitthestump]

Mohammad Rizwan | Player of the Match for his 61(47) today:

"I played well, we did make some mistakes but it is good we won. You always assess the conditions when you chase. I followed the instructions of the coach and assessed the conditions. When you give them wickets, it gets difficult. I had a good partnership with Mosaddek and that got us through."

Another MOTM for Rizzy?! He is a machine.

He's gonna need to build another floor for his house just to keep all of these awards in, mashaAllah.

 

[Saurav]

its easiest to do anchor role in T20.

Minimal risks and sometime even opposition won't try to get you out if you are doing tuk tuk and next batter is a hitter

 

[hitthestump]

its easiest to do anchor role in T20.

Minimal risks and sometime even opposition won't try to get you out if you are doing tuk tuk and next batter is a hitter

I don't think teams will be worried too much when it's Shan Masood and Khushdil Shah to follow.

Apart from Babar I doubt other teams even know the names of our batsmen, let alone fear them.

 

[Kroll]

Another MOTM for Rizzy?! He is a machine.

He's gonna need to build another floor for his house just to keep all of these awards in, mashaAllah.

Ah yes, all those personal milestone ones, forget about winning world cups, asia cups or ICC tourneys.

MashAllah

 

[Rana]

Ah yes, all those personal milestone ones, forget about winning world cups, asia cups or ICC tourneys.

MashAllah

He can focus on these personal milestones all he wants very soon in his free time all he likes

 

[Rana]

Listen to the commentators in the video

They seem to be tortured by Rizwan’s batting in the first 14 overs

 

[jnaveen1980]

its easiest to do anchor role in T20.

Minimal risks and sometime even opposition won't try to get you out if you are doing tuk tuk and next batter is a hitter

His batting style is a bad advt. for T20. Zero enteratinment for neutrals. KL Rahul also does it. But he does have 5th gear. Rizwan doesn't. This is his ceiling. So he plays smartly to maintain his average.

 

[Rana]

His batting style is a bad advt. for T20. Zero enteratinment for neutrals. KL Rahul also does it. But he does have 5th gear. Rizwan doesn't. This is his ceiling. So he plays smartly to maintain his average.

Rahul will get a wake up call once he is dropped from the national side. But KL has shown ability to play all around the park and his off side game is brilliant. KL is much much better than Rizwan

 

[Bewal Express]

Listen to the commentators in the video

They seem to be tortured by Rizwan’s batting in the first 14 overs

Did they win or lose the game? Did they bat 1st or 2nd?

 

[gazza619]

its easiest to do anchor role in T20.

Minimal risks and sometime even opposition won't try to get you out if you are doing tuk tuk and next batter is a hitter

Dont think so. Anchoring is a tough job specially when you are expected to pick up the pace towards the end.

It is rather easy to get a 7 ball 19 with those heavy blades and small boundaries these days.

 

[Saurav]

Dont think so. Anchoring is a tough job specially when you are expected to pick up the pace towards the end.

It is rather easy to get a 7 ball 19 with those heavy blades and small boundaries these days.

yes tough part is switching gears and go into carnage mode in the end.

Does Rizwan do it?

7 ball 19 is more useful in T20

 

[Saurav]

I don't think teams will be worried too much when it's Shan Masood and Khushdil Shah to follow.

Apart from Babar I doubt other teams even know the names of our batsmen, let alone fear them.

I'm just talking of anchor role in general.

Rizwan is good because of reasons you mention though they can groom hitters

 

[Bewal Express]

yes tough part is switching gears and go into carnage mode in the end.

Does Rizwan do it?

7 ball 19 is more useful in T20

Depends on whether you are batting 1st or 2nd, chasing a small target or large target and whether you win or lose the game. As a rule its probably true but context is also important

 

[Saurav]

Depends on whether you are batting 1st or 2nd, chasing a small target or large target and whether you win or lose the game. As a rule its probably true but context is also important

ofcourse I am talking generally. Rizwan's approach is great for 160 chases but moment it crosses 180 teams won't be threatened by his presence.

 

[Bewal Express]

ofcourse I am talking generally. Rizwan's approach is great for 160 chases but moment it crosses 180 teams won't be threatened by his presence.

Not so sure. His problems come when he bats 1st and not when he bats 2nd.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Not so sure. His problems come when he bats 1st and not when he bats 2nd.

His strike rate is worse when he bats second. 120 SR. In winning causes 127. In losing causes 96.

 

[Bewal Express]

His strike rate is worse when he bats second. 120 SR. In winning causes 127. In losing causes 96.

But he bats to the situation. We haven't lost many games batting 2nd because he has batted too slowly. The SL final comes to mind but not many. We chased down over 200 against England

 

[Rana]

But he bats to the situation. We haven't lost many games batting 2nd because he has batted too slowly. The SL final comes to mind but not many. We chased down over 200 against England

Against what bowlers?

Don’t say South Africa or England without mentioning the quality of bowlers. We saw what he did in the World Cup when those teams had their main bowlers on show

 

[ads101]

yes tough part is switching gears and go into carnage mode in the end.

Does Rizwan do it?

7 ball 19 is more useful in T20

It isn't. The longer you can be out of rebuild mode the better. If you get early wickets, the whole team plays slowly to rebuild/prevent a collapse. Which is why it's important to have a solid top order platform.

Which is also why I don't buy the middle order playing slower because of Rizwan and Babar. They don't, their SRs are same/worse than those two. They aren't hitting out after Rizwan, Babar's platform, otherwise they would have fantastic SRs. In the same way when those two get out early, they bat even slower. Even if Rizwan and Babar lay a platform at a great SR, they come in and they struggle. These guys in the middle order aren't even that consistent in PSL. They just have bad averages and bad SRs. This is partly down to they're not good enough, partly because middle order batting is generally tougher and harder to be consistent.

The problem with Rizwan and Babar isn't their early SRs, it's the fact they don't have that extra gear to accelerate once set. But consistently laying an opening platform for the rest to build on, they are the best in the world. And I would rather have that than two inconsistent batsmen who score low scores quickly. It would be great to have players than can do both, but I don't think we have them right now sadly. The only two who really have that potential are Sharjeel and Umar Akmal, who have let themselves down with fitness and in Sharjeel's case fixing. They can only blame themselves. Fakhar unfortunately is far too inconsistent and uncomfortable at the crease early on and has been given a mountain of chances as opener already, while he's great once he gets set, it's not worth it if he only play himself in 1 in 10 games.

 

[Bewal Express]

Against what bowlers?

Don’t say South Africa or England without mentioning the quality of bowlers. We saw what he did in the World Cup when those teams had their main bowlers on show

So he isn't allowed to fail. Stick to the fixers they fail to order

 

[Rana]

So he isn't allowed to fail. Stick to the fixers they fail to order

Yeah he’s not allowed to be hyped against poor opposition and then go missing when the real bowlers are back

 

[hitthestump]

ofcourse I am talking generally. Rizwan's approach is great for 160 chases but moment it crosses 180 teams won't be threatened by his presence.

Pakistan are good at restricting teams to <160. That's why Rizwan's role is so crucial in a batting line which is otherwise extremely weak and would struggle to chase 140 without him and Babar.

His 70 (50) are very good in ensuring a situation where Pakistan have a score which they'll defend more often than not.

He is also capable when the scores are 180+ such as 203-0 vs England.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Does Rizwan become a different batsman in T20 leagues since he has a different batting line up there?

 

[MenInG]

Rizwan out for 11 (6) - excellent strike rate

 

[Rana]

It’s easier for him to play the anchor role

Clearly isn’t cut for taking risks

 

[MenInG]

Rizwan speaking in an interview:

"It is more important for me what my captain and coach demand from me. In BPL, my coach instructed me not to give away my wicket in the first two overs in Dhaka, even if you score only two or three runs"

"My team’s captain, Imrul Kayes, also asked me to anchor the innings. It is not an easy role because people criticize you for playing an anchor role in T20s"

"People who play with a higher strike rate score in only two or three out of 10 innings. So it is easier for us to play in a similar way. But for me, team requirement is more important than what critics say"

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Rizwan speaking in an interview:

"It is more important for me what my captain and coach demand from me. In BPL, my coach instructed me not to give away my wicket in the first two overs in Dhaka, even if you score only two or three runs"

"My team’s captain, Imrul Kayes, also asked me to anchor the innings. It is not an easy role because people criticize you for playing an anchor role in T20s"

"People who play with a higher strike rate score in only two or three out of 10 innings. So it is easier for us to play in a similar way. But for me, team requirement is more important than what critics say"

Hogwash.

You play the anchor role in T20 because you don't know any other way.

And your average remains high.

 

[Rana]

Hogwash.

You play the anchor role in T20 because you don't know any other way.

And your average remains high.

Exactly

Why did he hit a 6 and 4 in the last innings he played for Camilla victorians off the 5 balls he faced in the first two overs…and then get out

He can bat how he wants but it would be sensible to not make public statements about his approach

 

[Kroll]

Exactly

Why did he hit a 6 and 4 in the last innings he played for Camilla victorians off the 5 balls he faced in the first two overs…and then get out

He can bat how he wants but it would be sensible to not make public statements about his approach

Agreed, play the way you want (alas) but stop trying to take the fans as fools.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Hogwash.

You play the anchor role in T20 because you don't know any other way.

And your average remains high.

This is the truth. It is not like he has an inner Adam Gilchrist lol. This is his ceiling.

 

[Rana]

How comes the hundred didn’t pick him for the anchor role in their £125k category?

 

[Rajdeep]

There is no role for an anchor in modern T20 cricket - Rohit Sharma

India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his belief that T20 cricket has undergone significant changes, rendering the role of anchors irrelevant in the format. In a recent interview with Jio Cinema, Sharma discussed his evolving approach as a batter, acknowledging that his change in mindset has resulted in failures but stating that he wants to explore new possibilities.

"As I see it, there is no role for an anchor now. It is just how T20 cricket is played these days, unless you are 20/3 or 4, which is not going to happen every day," Sharma commented.
He emphasised the need for a change in mindset to keep up with the game's evolution, saying, "If you do not change your mindset, you are going to get smashed. People on the other side are thinking about the game differently and taking it to the next level."

Sharma believes that all seven batters in a team must play their roles effectively, regardless of the outcome. He stated, "I believe that if you get a good score, it is good, but even if you get a good 30-40 off just 10-15 or 20 balls, it is (just) as good because you are doing the role for the team. The game has changed."

https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/c...et-now-rohit-sharma/articleshow/100479348.cms

 

[Rana]

There is Rohit what are you talking about?

Comilla Victorians signed Rizwan to be their Anchor opener. This is what he himself said!

 

[Major]

There is Rohit what are you talking about?

Comilla Victorians signed Rizwan to be their Anchor opener. This is what he himself said!

and theya re the most successful BPL team

 

[Rana]

and theya re the most successful BPL team

Yes BPL is the GOLD standard of cricket

 

[Major]

Yes BPL is the GOLD standard of cricket

you are the one complaining about a BPL team, not me. Yet when that team is most successful than you try to downplay that.

Than why mention it?

Even if its not the best league, yet it bothers you that the best team of that tournament uses an anchor and too Rizwan

 

[Rana]

Mohammad Rizwan, who is playing for Comilla Victorians in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, feels that everywhere he is picked in the franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, he is asked to stay at the wicket without taking too much risk in order to make sure other batters can play in their natural free-flowing style without worrying too much about what is happening at the other end.

"It is very difficult role (anchor role in shortest format) and sometimes it looks very embarrassing," Rizwan told reporters. "What my experience says and what I know is that whenever someone hires me, they demand me to play the anchor role like the way I do in Pakistan.

"I always assess the condition, assess the opponent and do these kinds of things (anchoring the innings) and sometimes it is embarrassing because in T20 everyone knows we love sixes and they want me to score 60-70 runs from 35-45 balls, but for me to win the match.

The number two T20I batter added that he chose to travel the path of anchoring the innings due to the fact he is well aware he can accelerate the run rate at the later part of the innings.

Unlike some other leading T20 batters in the world who can get going from the word go, Rizwan holds back from playing over-the-top shots.

"You can look at the scoreboard and see what the team demand from you. Basically for me, my cricket idol is AB De Villiers and I look at him very closely and his performances in Test cricket and T20 as well and that's why I also try to play according to the demand of the team.

"In T20 cricket, sometimes you can go with slow strike rate because sometimes in T20 you are in a position where they (opposition) are looking to take wickets. You can go slow (when you've lost a couple of wickets) but when the team needs you to hit the long ball, you can go with the momentum. For me, assessing the time is important (when to break free) and thankfully, most of the time, I am successful."

Rohit Sharma mate you know nothing about T20 cricket. Anchor role is the most difficult thing to do in T20 cricket!!

 

[JattMaula]

India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his belief that T20 cricket has undergone significant changes, rendering the role of anchors irrelevant in the format. In a recent interview with Jio Cinema, Sharma discussed his evolving approach as a batter, acknowledging that his change in mindset has resulted in failures but stating that he wants to explore new possibilities.

"As I see it, there is no role for an anchor now. It is just how T20 cricket is played these days, unless you are 20/3 or 4, which is not going to happen every day," Sharma commented.
He emphasised the need for a change in mindset to keep up with the game's evolution, saying, "If you do not change your mindset, you are going to get smashed. People on the other side are thinking about the game differently and taking it to the next level."

Sharma believes that all seven batters in a team must play their roles effectively, regardless of the outcome. He stated, "I believe that if you get a good score, it is good, but even if you get a good 30-40 off just 10-15 or 20 balls, it is (just) as good because you are doing the role for the team. The game has changed."

https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/c...et-now-rohit-sharma/articleshow/100479348.cms

Hitman is an open minded person.

Being ready to try new things and being ready to fail in the last innings of his quite successful cricket career is a credit to him.

 

[gazza619]

Riz needs to take a few more risks going forward, or say good bye to the opening slot.

 

[Rana]

Riz needs to take a few more risks going forward, or say good bye to the opening slot.

He takes 2 overs to get going

In the powerplay

What’s the point?

 

[hitthestump]

Riz needs to take a few more risks going forward, or say good bye to the opening slot.

Mohammad Rizwan is the best t20 opener in Pakistan.

Not only that, he is the greatest t20 opener in the history of Pakistan.

Unless you have access to a gun he is not saying goodbye to anything any time soon. His doubters will continue to cry their eyes out like they have been doing for several years now )

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Mohammad Rizwan is the best t20 opener in Pakistan.

Not only that, he is the greatest t20 opener in the history of Pakistan.

Unless you have access to a gun he is not saying goodbye to anything any time soon. His doubters will continue to cry their eyes out like they have been doing for several years now )

At least you kept it real by saying Pakistan.

Another moment I was expecting you would say "best t20 opener in the world".

And then in the "history of game" wouldnt be far away from your perspective too.

All he has to do is keep hitting 50 off 40 balls and enjoy his time.