Mohammad Rizwan has refuted claims of refusing to adjust to the one-down position

Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has refuted claims of refusing to adjust to the one-down position during the T20I series against New Zealand in January. In an interview with a local news outlet, Rizwan emphasized his readiness to adapt to any role for the national team, including relinquishing his duties as a wicketkeeper if necessary. “I never declined to bat one-down. When asked, I expressed my full availability,” clarified Rizwan. “I even mentioned my willingness to bowl if required, or to give up wicket-keeping.” Highlighting his versatility, Rizwan noted that he has batted at various positions in his career, including numbers 7, 8, and 9, demonstrating his flexibility to bat anywhere in the lineup. “In my 26 matches, I’ve batted at unconventional positions like number 9,” he stated. “I’ve always been prepared to fulfill any role assigned to me.” During the New Zealand series, Rizwan opened with young batter Saim Ayub, while Babar Azam played at number three. Despite Azam’s consistent performance with three consecutive half-centuries, Pakistan faced a 4-1 series defeat.