Is Mohammad Rizwan The Greatest Wicket-Keeper Batter of All Time?

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan continues to make a case as a modern-day great wicketkeeper-batter with his heroics against South Africa during the tri-series fixture, serving as another example of his acumen.

Despite his relatively late arrival on the international scene, Rizwan has quickly earned a reputation for being a dependable batter in any condition and has caught up with some of the greatest players in his position. He now holds the record for the highest average in international cricket among wicketkeeper-batters who have scored at least 6,000 runs across all formats.

The latest statistics highlight Rizwan’s exceptional consistency, placing him ahead of some of the greatest names in cricket history. With an impressive average of 45.54 in 200 innings across the three formats, Rizwan has surpassed legendary figures such as India’s MS Dhoni (44.96), Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (41.87), Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower (40.83), and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (40.73).

Top Wicketkeeper-Batters by Career Batting Average (Min. 6,000 Runs)

Mohammad Rizwan’s rise to the top reflects his remarkable character. His ability to balance wicketkeeping responsibilities while delivering match-winning performances with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for Pakistan.

His average of 45.54 is particularly impressive considering the demands of modern-day cricket, where maintaining form across Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is is a challenge for even the best players.

MS Dhoni, known for his finishing ability and leadership, remains a revered figure in world cricket. However, Rizwan’s current average sees him edge past the Indian great.

Similarly, Kumar Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s finest batters and a prolific run-scorer, falls behind despite his staggering career total of 17,840 runs. Mohammad Rizwan has also surpassed both in some captaincy feats, including leading the only team to whitewash South Africa on their soil.

At just 32, Mohammad Rizwan is still in the midst of his career, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could solidify his place as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history. With several key series and ICC tournaments ahead, Pakistan will be hoping their star gloveman continues to deliver on the global stage.