Rizwan in 2025: 7 Essential Reasons He's Unstoppable
Why will Mohammad Rizwan be cricket's most valuable player in 2025? We break down 7 key reasons, from his peak fitness to his all-format dominance. A must-read.
Imran Siddiqui
A veteran sports journalist and cricket analyst with over two decades of experience.
As we gaze into the crystal ball of world cricket for 2025, a few familiar names dominate the conversation. Yet, amidst the established superstars and rising phenoms, one player’s trajectory points towards an undeniable zenith. That player is Mohammad Rizwan.
It’s a bold claim, but the signs are all there. By 2025, Rizwan won't just be a key player for Pakistan; he'll be in the conversation for the single most valuable player in the sport. This isn't just about current form; it's about the convergence of skill, mindset, and opportunity. Here are the seven essential reasons why 2025 is destined to be the Year of Rizwan.
1. The Perfect Storm of Experience and Fitness
In 2025, Mohammad Rizwan will be 33 years old—an age that, for modern athletes, represents the absolute sweet spot. He will have a decade of international experience under his belt, coupled with the peak physical conditioning he is already famous for. We've all seen his relentless energy behind the stumps and his tireless running between the wickets. He doesn’t just play; he competes with every fiber of his being.
Unlike players who fade in their early thirties, Rizwan’s upward curve is still climbing. His legendary fitness regimen suggests he won't just maintain his level but will combine that physical peak with the tactical genius that only comes from years of facing the world's best bowlers. This fusion of a mature mind and a powerful body will make him a formidable force.
2. From T20 Specialist to All-Format King
While Rizwan’s T20 exploits are legendary—he’s consistently been one of the world's top-ranked batters in the format—his evolution into an all-format titan will be complete by 2025. His Test and ODI games have shown immense growth, marked by a tighter technique and a better understanding of innings-building.
In Test cricket, he's already proven he has the grit and determination to score crucial runs down the order. By 2025, we can expect him to have refined this into consistent, match-winning performances. In ODIs, his ability to rotate the strike and then accelerate in the final overs will be even more polished. He won't be a player you plan for in just one format; he'll be the central problem for opposition captains across all three.
3. The Man for the Big Moments
Value isn't just measured in runs; it's measured in impact. And Rizwan is a certified clutch performer. Who can forget his heroic 67 in the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final, just days after being in an ICU with a severe chest infection? That performance wasn't an anomaly; it was a window into his soul. He thrives when the pressure is at its highest.
With the 2025 Champions Trophy set to be held in Pakistan, the stage is perfectly set. Playing in front of his home crowd in a major ICC tournament will be the ultimate test, and if his career has taught us anything, it's that Rizwan rises to meet the moment. An MVP delivers when it matters most, and that’s etched into Rizwan’s DNA.
4. More Than Just a Batsman: The Keeper's Edge
In the modern game, a world-class wicketkeeper-batsman is worth his weight in gold. Rizwan isn't just a batsman who keeps; he is an elite wicketkeeper who is also a world-class batsman. His energy behind the stumps is infectious. His constant chatter, sharp catches, and lightning-quick stumpings set the tone for the entire team.
This dual contribution is a massive factor in the MVP calculation. While other top batters contribute in one discipline, Rizwan is influencing the game with every single ball. By 2025, with even more experience, his reading of the game from the best seat in the house will provide invaluable strategic input, making him a captain's dream and a true on-field general.
5. The Heartbeat of the Team
While Babar Azam may be the captain and the team’s elegant anchor, Mohammad Rizwan is its undeniable heartbeat. His passion, work ethic, and unwavering faith are the engine that drives the Pakistan team's morale. He is the first to celebrate a wicket, the one to console a bowler after a bad over, and the fighter who never believes a game is lost.
This intangible quality of leadership—inspiring others to be better—is a hallmark of a truly valuable player. By 2025, as a senior and universally respected figure in the dressing room, his influence will be at its peak. He makes the entire team better, a quality that stats alone can never capture but is profoundly felt on the field.
6. The Evolved, Smarter Batsman
Critics once tried to pigeonhole Rizwan as a T20-centric power-hitter. They were wrong. We are witnessing the evolution of a truly intelligent batsman. He has worked tirelessly on his game, particularly against spin and in rotating the strike during the middle overs—a previous weakness that is rapidly becoming a strength.
By 2025, this evolution will be complete. He will have multiple gears: the ability to be the steady anchor, the busy accumulator, and the explosive finisher. His shot selection has become smarter, his game awareness more acute. He's learning to pick his battles, preserving his wicket to launch at the most opportune moment. This tactical maturity will make him one of the most difficult batters to set a field for in world cricket.
7. The Global Icon in the Making
An MVP's value often transcends the boundary rope. Rizwan's on-field sportsmanship and humble demeanor have won him fans across the globe, even among rival nations. Moments like his warm embrace with Virat Kohli or his respectful interactions with opponents have built him a reputation as a true gentleman of the game.
As his on-field achievements continue to stack up, his off-field brand will soar. In an era where cricket is expanding globally, having an ambassador like Rizwan—talented, resilient, and universally respected—is invaluable. By 2025, he won’t just be a Pakistani hero; he’ll be a global cricketing icon, and that level of influence and recognition is a key component of being the sport’s Most Valuable Player.
The Final Verdict
When you combine his peak physical and mental state, his mastery across all formats, his clutch temperament, and his immense value as a leader and wicketkeeper, the case becomes compelling. 2025 is shaping up to be the year where all these threads come together, creating a perfect tapestry of performance and influence.
What do you think? Is Rizwan on track to become cricket's MVP in 2025, or is there someone else we should be watching? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!