Mohammad Rizwan vs MS Dhoni: A Comparative Analysis of Test Performances

Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman, has demonstrated a commendable performance in Test cricket since his debut. Despite Pakistan‘s loss in a recent series against Bangladesh, Rizwan shone brightly by amassing 294 runs over four innings, including a fifty and a century. This continues a pattern of strong form Rizwan has maintained throughout his Test career.

In his career thus far, Rizwan has participated in 32 Test matches, delivering impressive results. Over the course of 52 innings, he has achieved a batting average of 44.42, accumulating a total of 1,910 runs. His achievements include 10 fifties and three centuries, with significant scores recorded both at home and on international soil, such as New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Rizwan’s ascent in Test cricket has been notable since he rejoined the national team. He has firmly established his position, yet the challenge remains whether he can maintain this performance across different playing conditions and over time.

In contrast, former Indian captain MS Dhoni, renowned as one of cricket’s greats, did not hold as strong a record in Test cricket. Dhoni concluded his Test career with a batting average of 38.09, having scored 4,876 runs. In the first 32 matches of his career, Dhoni accumulated 1,614 runs over 51 innings, averaging 35.9. Despite only having one century and 11 half-centuries during this time, his strike rate of 63.6 was notably higher than Rizwan’s current rate of 55.12.

Comparatively, Rizwan’s statistics after 32 Tests are more favorable than Dhoni’s were at the same point. However, Dhoni’s career exemplifies improvement over time, as he continued to play Test cricket for an additional six years, during which his performance metrics improved. The critical question remains whether Rizwan will similarly sustain and enhance his consistency in the long term.