The Battle of the Keepers, Rishabh Pant vs Mohammad Rizwan

[Extreme Pace]

ATG Pant doing what he does best.

Flash in the pan. Shahid Afridi MKII

Hahaha have been saying it for ages. Demoted to number 7 today, should actually be number 8 on any pitch that is not flat.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

What a performance by Rizwan in one of the most hyped match.

[Ab Fan]

As I have already said in past, if there is one player Indian team would be wary of, it is not Babar Azam but Mohammad Rizwan and he proved why he is such a master tactician and great reader of the game. He is basically the limited overs version of the clutch Younis Khan.

This thread is excellent because at the same time, for opposition team when playing vs India, if there is one player they would be scared off the most for his ability to change game single-handedly, that is Rishabh Pant.

Luckily, this was Pakistan's day today as I predicted it already and Rizwan-Babar outclassed Indian bowling attack all the way through. We were never going to be favourites after Kohli had decided to resign his captaincy from WT20.

[WhenSultansBowled]

Both had an excellent game with gloves/bat.

Shaheen was the difference!

[TeymurBlake]

Rizwan played an absolute blinder.

[sharmaji]

Not even a contest. Rizwan way ahead of all the keepers in the world.

[Bewal Express]

Riz remains the better WK, Pants is top bat, what great boon for the 2 teams to have such great players

[krazystrong]

It's not even a competition. Rizwan is hands down better in both facets.

[street cricketer]

Pant actually played a good innings given the circumstances he came to the crease. Rizwan was clinical in the chase.

[jeeteshssaxena]

Rishabh played well too, but yes Rizwan won the game for his country.

[TeamPak95]

Rizzy you absolute beauty! Although Pant had me worried with those 2 one-handed sixes.

[Extreme Pace]

The fact that some people were adamant that Rizwan is a better WK batsman or a better batsman in LOIs shows how clueless and cricket-ignorant our fans are.

Rizwan is a very good WK batsman but Pant is several notches above him in all formats. He is GOAT material.

hahahahahahahahaha we actually saw who was GOAT material today.

[Extreme Pace]

And yet... no team would pick Rizwan over Rishabh in their side.

Including Pakistan

Pakistan did and Pakistan won ;)

[Bilal7]

Rizwan is the better keeper and the better batsman. Pant is good at what he does but boy is he overrated.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pant plays 2-3 good shots and then gifts his wicket away. That's the story of his LOI career so far. Rizwan on the other hand tries to stay there for as long as he can. In T20s Rizwan has an average of 52 with a strike rate of 130. Pant on the other hand has an average of 22 and a strike rate of 123. Pant has to improve his performance in LOIs.

[CricVet]

Rizwan has improved his batting. I am not gonna debate the batting. If go by athletic standards, Pant will have to burn his fat to be to keep as Rizwan in a long run. Riz is athletic, Pant is not.

[pillionrider]

Pakistan did and Pakistan won ;)

Today... yes

But can Rizwan smash back to back one-handed sixes

[Extreme Pace]

Today... yes

But can Rizwan smash back to back one-handed sixes

No but our tailenders can, because Rizwan is an actual batsman that can win games without looking stupid.

Rizwan in T20s avg 52.00 SR 130
Pant in T20s avg 22 SR 123

[Varun]

Buuuuut who has scored more runs in the Vivo IPL Dhamaka?

[Bewal Express]

Pant plays 2-3 good shots and then gifts his wicket away. That's the story of his LOI career so far. Rizwan on the other hand tries to stay there for as long as he can. In T20s Rizwan has an average of 52 with a strike rate of 130. Pant on the other hand has an average of 22 and a strike rate of 123. Pant has to improve his performance in LOIs.

Pant is very talented but not as talented as he thinks he is, especially against the top bowlers. Riz knows his game and has more than enough talent to score consistently. As WK is concerned Pant has improved alot but Riz is on a different level.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Dream. Visualise. Execute.

Mohammad Rizwan’s masterpiece started before a ball was bowled 🎨#T20WorldCup #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/o4m8biFhdP

— ICC (@ICC) October 25, 2021

[mastimasti]

Mohammad Rizwan vs Who?

Seriously, one is a left handed, wide ball hacker who is lucky in every single innings I have watched and the other is one of the game's premier LO batsmen.

[mastimasti]

Dream. Visualise. Execute.

Mohammad Rizwan’s masterpiece started before a ball was bowled ��#T20WorldCup #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/o4m8biFhdP

— ICC (@ICC) October 25, 2021

Wow, wish I could visualise and execute like this haha

[globalcitizen]

It was good innings by Rizwan. But how can you compare an innings by opener vs a middle order bat who had 2 roles, to rebuild and score fast.
Score was only 150 and someone or other would have scored that easily.

the only reason ppl are not rating pant innings is because team lost. I think he did a decent job and we are talking about a 24 year old striking fear in opposition. You never know what might have transpired if he had batted through

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It was good innings by Rizwan. But how can you compare an innings by opener vs a middle order bat who had 2 roles, to rebuild and score fast. Score was only 150 and someone or other would have scored that easily.

the only reason ppl are not rating pant innings is because team lost. I think he did a decent job and we are talking about a 24 year old striking fear in opposition. You never know what might have transpired if he had batted through

Yeah Rizwan had no pressure at all chasing a score of 150 on a pitch where Indian batsmen struggled lol. On top of that Rizwan came on to bat right after finishing his wicketkeeping duties. I remember you said in one of your post that you appreciate good performances by a player regardless of opposition teams but I can already see you finding excuses to bring down Rizwan's inning. Pant's inning was okish. He was struggling initially, played some stupid shots to get out, hit 2 awesome sixes and then as always gifted his wicket away. If 150 was such a small target then surely Pant underperfomed in this match because he was set and should have stayed there till the end. We hardly see him do that in LOIs. Not sure for how long you are going to hide him behind his age of 24.

[shamaan]

Wow, wish I could visualise and execute like this haha

This is called imagery

[shamaan]

Pant did ok but thier is a gap between the two

[ayemgilani86]

Riz remains the better WK, Pants is top bat, what great boon for the 2 teams to have such great players

very few talk about the 'Keeping' aspect which is the Title of this forum. Rizwan is easily the best Wicket Keeper along with Ben Foakes who can make a difference to their team with the gloves,
Quinto deKock as well but his batting overshadows his keeping

[globalcitizen]

Yeah Rizwan had no pressure at all chasing a score of 150 on a pitch where Indian batsmen struggled lol. On top of that Rizwan came on to bat right after finishing his wicketkeeping duties. I remember you said in one of your post that you appreciate good performances by a player regardless of opposition teams but I can already see you finding excuses to bring down Rizwan's inning. Pant's inning was okish. He was struggling initially, played some stupid shots to get out, hit 2 awesome sixes and then as always gifted his wicket away. If 150 was such a small target then surely Pant underperfomed in this match because he was set and should have stayed there till the end. We hardly see him do that in LOIs. Not sure for how long you are going to hide him behind his age of 24.

That is why I said rizwan played well and pant innings was decent. I don't agree about him being overrated. Let's see how both do when situations reverse. ie. Rizwan setting up a score and pant getting a start from openers so he can launch.
The 150 score under dew was never a challenge. If it was not rizwan, fakhar or hafeez would have done it..

[mastimasti]

This is called imagery

I know, but I still can't do it haha

[Slim]

Rizwan and Pant are both future ATGs. Rizwan is however a better player overall than Pant.

[Slim]

@Rana abtou tareef karday bhai

[Rana]

@Rana abtou tareef karday bhai

Tbf he smashed it against India.

So did Rauf and Shadab

[CricVet]

That is why I said rizwan played well and pant innings was decent. I don't agree about him being overrated. Let's see how both do when situations reverse. ie. Rizwan setting up a score and pant getting a start from openers so he can launch.
The 150 score under dew was never a challenge. If it was not rizwan, fakhar or hafeez would have done it..

No matter how hard you try, Rizwan won the battle THAT PARTICULAR DAY.

As you stated above yourself, it is unfair to compare the two as batsmen since they have different roles to play in the team - one is an opener while the other not, yet you could not hold yourself comparing their innings in a way.

One has to admire how Rizwan batted as an opener after keeping all day. Also, pant will have to trim down to avoid injuries in the future while keeping for the extra baggage he carries.

[shamaan]

I know, but I still can't do it haha

Am not sure many people can without getting bored lol

[MenInG]

Can Rizwan do what Pant does for India?

[Romali_rotti]

Can Rizwan do what Pant does for India?

No.

Rizwan is what he is, a bits n pieces player.

It's not his fault he doesn't have the talent.. Credit to him though he works hard and tries to make up for his lack of ability.

[Saj]

Averages at the moment:

Tests
Pant 40
Rizwan 42

ODIs
Pant 32
Rizwan 28

T20Is
Pant 23
Rizwan 50

[JaDed]

No.

Rizwan is what he is, a bits n pieces player.

It's not his fault he doesn't have the talent.. Credit to him though he works hard and tries to make up for his lack of ability.

Rizwan is actually pretty awesome in T20s.. also his keeping is better overall.

ODI Pant needs to figure it out, Tests alone Pant has clutch knocks.

[cricketjoshila]

Can Rizwan do what Pant does for India?

Rizwan has better performances in T20Is. Yes Pant bats lower in T20Is, still Rizwan is some distance ahead.

In tests Pant has centuries and match winning 90s in SENA. Leave a WK, proper SC batsmen will find difficult to match this.

[JaDed]

Averages at the moment:

Tests
Pant 40
Rizwan 42

ODIs
Pant 32
Rizwan 28

T20Is
Pant 23
Rizwan 50

T20 Rizwan is obviously better but in tests those averages don’t really portray the value Pant gives ICT

[cricketjoshila]

Rizwan is actually pretty awesome in T20s.. also his keeping is better overall.

ODI Pant needs to figure it out, Tests alone Pant has clutch knocks.

Make pant bat in top 4 or even open. It will change the scenario.

[Unbiased-Fan]

Both are special talents.
In tests, currently Rishabh Pant is miles better than Rizwan due to his match winning knocks in tougher countries.
Rizwan is undoubtedly better in T20is.
Both are underachievers in ODIs though.

[cricketjoshila]

T20 Rizwan is obviously better but in tests those averages don’t really portray the value Pant gives ICT

Rizwan has how many centuries outside Asia?

[Romali_rotti]

Rizwan is actually pretty awesome in T20s.. also his keeping is better overall.

ODI Pant needs to figure it out, Tests alone Pant has clutch knocks.

I was implying tests only..

RP is nothing to write home about in the shorter format.

HE is now mutilating the Eng bowlers. A huge 6 last ball

[Romali_rotti]

What's Rizwans avg in SENA in tests ?. Curious to know

[Sunzi]

Rizwan is brilliant at what he does - I love him - he is solid, reliable, dependable more often than not. Pant is capable of the same but possess an x-factor which enables him to dramatically change a match situation.

[Extra_Cover]

Top knock by Pant against England today. I don't see the point of bumping this thread at every Pant / Rizwan performance. Its blatantly clear that Pant is ahead of Rizwan in tests with some great match winning innings already. Rizwan is a gem from Pakistani point of view and he did help in delivering our first WC win against India so he will always be loved

[Sir Alex]

Such a futile thread.

Pant us not even 25. He has played 5 knocks which normal ppl would dream to do once Ina life.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

This reminds me of the various Umar akmal threads back in the day


There is no comparison between pant and rizwan. Pant has that mad genius in him that no Pak player currently has

[dravidthewall]

Pant : Better in test cricket
Rizwan : Better in T20 cricket

[Rana]

Pant : Better in test cricket
Rizwan : Better in T20 cricket

Honestly, who cares who is better in T20s?

[JaDed]

Honestly, who cares who is better in T20s?

Not overall but the win against India counts..

[Saj]

Pant : Better in test cricket
Rizwan : Better in T20 cricket

ODIs?

[Ab Fan]

Make pant bat in top 4 or even open. It will change the scenario.

Pant should open, yes.

ODIs :
Rohit
Pant( in a Sehwag mould)
Kohli
KL Rahul ( he does better at 4 too)
Shreyas/ SKY
Pandya
Jadeja

T20s :

Rohit
Rahul/Kishan
Kohli
SKY
Pandya
DK
D Chahar

[Ab Fan]

ODIs?

Clearly Pant is better in ODIs. Averages 32 at 109. Has started played one impactful ODI knock in every series.

[Ab Fan]

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...s;type=batting

Averages 41 at strike rate of 113 in this decade in ODIs.

[jnaveen1980]

Pant is not even the best wicket keeper batsman in India in T20 format. He looks good when he is not forced to slog every ball. In t20 that is what he does. He doesn't pick the right ball, right bowler, right area. Kishan, Dk even Samson come before him.

[docteurmanish]

Pant is not even the best wicket keeper batsman in India in T20 format. He looks good when he is not forced to slog every ball. In t20 that is what he does. He doesn't pick the right ball, right bowler, right area. Kishan, Dk even Samson come before him.

i have seen him play and note he comes in usually at 12-16 over mark . He has nt been used properly as he needs to be one down . but he has the best ability to take on fast bowling besides dk and samson. its just a question of using him correctly. the indian t20 overall was not a good team until about a year ago-since the ind eng t20 series, our approach has become aggressive from get -go and people like pant, hooda, samson , karthik and pandya are therefore in the mix of things. even rohit and rahul have started hitting out

t20 format is best to be used not in term of average or strike rate but impact score . a player who makes a 10 ball 20 is likely gonna have mor eimpact than a 30 ball 35 . pant is special and fits well with the team management new approach

[pillionrider]

This reminds me of the various Umar akmal threads back in the day


There is no comparison between pant and rizwan. Pant has that mad genius in him that no Pak player currently has

I have in the past said that even Pakistan would pick Pant over Rizwan

But I think putting this in the Umar Akmal thread level is unfair. Anyone who had a role in turning around world cup misery, and in style, should always occupy a pride of place.

It's also why Dinesh Karthik must never be forgotten by Indians, after he saved us from losing a final to Bangladesh. It's not the loss of another final in some random trophy, it's the terror of the average Bangladeshi fan over the next 4 World Cups

[Romali_rotti]

I have in the past said that even Pakistan would pick Pant over Rizwan

But I think putting this in the Umar Akmal thread level is unfair. Anyone who had a role in turning around world cup misery, and in style, should always occupy a pride of place.

It's also why Dinesh Karthik must never be forgotten by Indians, after he saved us from losing a final to Bangladesh. It's not the loss of another final in some random trophy, it's the terror of the average Bangladeshi fan over the next 4 World Cups

Wicket keeper comparisons has not served Pakistanis well.

A while back it was Dhoni vs Kamran Akmal - We saw how that ended.

Looks like Pant vs Rizwan might go like the above comparison.

[jnaveen1980]

i have seen him play and note he comes in usually at 12-16 over mark . He has nt been used properly as he needs to be one down . but he has the best ability to take on fast bowling besides dk and samson. its just a question of using him correctly. the indian t20 overall was not a good team until about a year ago-since the ind eng t20 series, our approach has become aggressive from get -go and people like pant, hooda, samson , karthik and pandya are therefore in the mix of things. even rohit and rahul have started hitting out

t20 format is best to be used not in term of average or strike rate but impact score . a player who makes a 10 ball 20 is likely gonna have mor eimpact than a 30 ball 35 . pant is special and fits well with the team management new approach

His strike rate is too low despite his ability to power hit. We have a large sample. Also he is more potent when he reacts to pace bowlers rather than when he manufactures shots. He tries to manufacture shots in T20. Low percentage shots. T20 requires uncomplicated stand and deliver stuff. That is why his strike rate against pace is much lower than against spin in T20. In T20 you can tie him down by bowling wide and keeping a fielder deep on the off side. He just reaches for it and gets out. You can find so many T20 players. But it is very hard to find a test player like him. Let him focus on that. it is not mandatory he must play T20 Internationals.

[U$ofA]

This reminds me of the various Umar akmal threads back in the day


There is no comparison between pant and rizwan. Pant has that mad genius in him that no Pak player currently has

I still say it's premature to compare Pant and Rizwan. Pant is just 24. Still 3-4 years away from his peak. Rizwan has just entered into his peak years.

So let's wait and see where things stand in four years of Pant to current Rizwan. Or compare them at the end of their careers.

[sweep_shot]

I would still pick Rizwan over Pant.

It is because Rizwan is a superior keeper. Main job of a keeper-batsman is keeping.

[GreenBee]

Now this is example of a thread that can only survive in home forums. No Cricket team or their fans would even think twice about picking Pant over Rizwan.

[sweep_shot]

Now this is example of a thread that can only survive in home forums. No Cricket team or their fans would even think twice about picking Pant over Rizwan.

Pant's batting is better in Test. But, in Test, keeping quality should be given higher priority.

I think Rizwan is a better keeper.

If both are playing for the same team, Rizwan should be the keeper while Pant should be a batter.

[GreenBee]

Pant's batting is better in Test. But, in Test, keeping quality should be given higher priority.

I think Rizwan is a better keeper.

Pant doesn't get enough credit for his keeping tbh, he has been very good. The keeping difference doesn't make up for other aspects of the game in my opinion.

[shamaan]

No.

Rizwan is what he is, a bits n pieces player.

It's not his fault he doesn't have the talent.. Credit to him though he works hard and tries to make up for his lack of ability.

Pant doesn't have the skill as a keeper compared to Pant.

[shamaan]

Rizwan has better performances in T20Is. Yes Pant bats lower in T20Is, still Rizwan is some distance ahead.

In tests Pant has centuries and match winning 90s in SENA. Leave a WK, proper SC batsmen will find difficult to match this.

I agree as a keeper Pant is very good but as a keeper is just about par.

[shamaan]

Both are special talents.
In tests, currently Rishabh Pant is miles better than Rizwan due to his match winning knocks in tougher countries.
Rizwan is undoubtedly better in T20is.
Both are underachievers in ODIs though.

They are both wicket keeper bateaman so both should be judged based upon both aspects.

[shamaan]

What's Rizwans avg in SENA in tests ?. Curious to know

He averages 44 in Australia,40 in England,43 in New Zealand.

[shamaan]

I have in the past said that even Pakistan would pick Pant over Rizwan

But I think putting this in the Umar Akmal thread level is unfair. Anyone who had a role in turning around world cup misery, and in style, should always occupy a pride of place.

It's also why Dinesh Karthik must never be forgotten by Indians, after he saved us from losing a final to Bangladesh. It's not the loss of another final in some random trophy, it's the terror of the average Bangladeshi fan over the next 4 World Cups

No I wouldn't pick Pant over Rizwan only due to his keeping.

[shamaan]

Pant drop catch could cost them the game.

[TeamPak95]

When batting is concerned, it's:

Pant > Rizwan in tests
Pant = Rizwan in ODIs (both underachieving)
Rizwan > Pant in T20s

However, as they are wicket-keepers, when you take that into account I would still personally take Rizwan overall as a player over Pant as he is comfortably the better keeper. Comparatively, Pant has age on his side, so his keeping can definitely improve and get better.

[Ab Fan]

Pant > Rizwan in ODIs comfortably.

Pant averages 32 at 109 strike rate. Rizwan averages 28 at 80 strike rate.

Pant > Rizwan in Test and ODIs(that's about 85%)
Rizwan > Pant in T20s( that's 15%)

Rizwan'w age is 30 while Pant's age is 24.

[pillionrider]

No I wouldn't pick Pant over Rizwan only due to his keeping.

Well, you should watch Pant over the last year. He is pretty damn good as a keeper. Don't take my opinion. Listen to what the likes of Nasser, Gower and Swann have to say.

[shamaan]

Well, you should watch Pant over the last year. He is pretty damn good as a keeper. Don't take my opinion. Listen to what the likes of Nasser, Gower and Swann have to say.

He dropped Bairstow and which cost them the match.

[shamaan]

Pant > Rizwan in ODIs comfortably.

Pant averages 32 at 109 strike rate. Rizwan averages 28 at 80 strike rate.

Pant > Rizwan in Test and ODIs(that's about 85%)
Rizwan > Pant in T20s( that's 15%)

Rizwan'w age is 30 while Pant's age is 24.

As a batter yes.

[pillionrider]

He dropped Bairstow and which cost them the match.

That was not a drop lol

[shamaan]

That was not a drop lol

It was a drop how is it not a drop please explain.