![Mohammad Rizwan lost ODI captaincy [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1761031388326_rizwan_ODI.jpg?type=hq)
Mohammad Rizwan lost ODI captaincy [Source: AFP]
On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a bold and surprising decision, replacing Mohammad Rizwan with Shaheen Afridi as the captain of the ODI team. While Rizwan's sacking didn't come as a surprise, considering Pakistan's miserable ODI run in his tenure of late, many cricket experts, including former fast bowler Mohammad Amir, criticised the PCB for taking the extreme step, reckoning that the wicketkeeper-batter deserved a few more chances to prove his worth.
However, now with Rizwan losing ODI captaincy, here are some valid reasons why the right-hander must perform in the upcoming South Africa series to save his place in the 50-over format.
Why Pakistan could drop Rizwan from ODIs if he fails vs SA
Rizwan's poor record in 2025
Mohammad Rizwan was once hailed as one of Pakistan's most dependable batters in white-ball cricket. However, captaincy certainly affected Rizwan's performance as a batter, with the right-hander having a torrid run in ODIs this year.
| Criterion | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Innings | 23 | 7 | 11 |
| Runs | 1023 | 264 | 361 |
| Average | 63.94 | 52.80 | 36.10 |
| 50s/100s | 7/1 | 2/0 | 1/1 |
(Mohammad Rizwan in ODIs since 2023)
The data in the aforementioned table suggests that Mohammad Rizwan's performance is on a decline as a batter in ODIs. While he had an amazing year in 2023, slamming 1023 runs at a superb average of 63.94, his numbers have dipped significantly in 2025.
Rizwan has managed just over 36 runs per innings while registering only two fifty-plus scores across eleven innings. These numbers signify that he hasn't been at his best, and if his numbers don't improve against South Africa, the batter might face an ODI snub.
Rizwan's strike rate issue
In an era where strike rates even in the 90s seem under-par at times, Rizwan has scored at a miserable rate of 71.20 in ODIs in 2025. His tendency to take a lot of time before shifting gears doesn't meet the demands of modern-day white-ball cricket. Furthermore, Rizwan's limited and leg-side dominant stroke play has made him predictable, allowing Pakistan's opponents to marginalise his output with ease.
Statistically, Rizwan has the second-worst strike rate after Steve Smith among fifteen batters across all countries who have played ten or more innings at number four in ODIs since the start of 2022. So, his struggle to up the ante is genuinely alarming, keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Given that Pakistan's new head coach, Mike Hesson, vouches for an aggressive brand of cricket, it will be a daunting task for Rizwan to retain his place in the ODI side if he doesn't add a wide range of shots to improve his scoring rate.
Pakistan have alternative plans to boost their batting lineup
Experienced batter Babar Azam is still in Pakistan's ODI team to play as an anchor. While Saim Ayub gives a dynamic batting option at the top order, the likes of Agha Salman (SR- 96.7) and Hassan Nawaz (SR- 90.3) offer more aggressive batting options than Mohammad Rizwan.
In fact, Irfan Khan Niazi (SR- 96.61 in List-A cricket), Khushdil Shah (SR- 98.2) and Kamran Ghulam (SR - 99.1), Mohammad Haris (SR- 107.66 in List-A cricket) are definitely more destructive batters than Rizwan. So, as Agha Salman is capable of playing at 4, Pakistan actually have the opportunity to axe Rizwan and make room for a destructive finisher lower down the order. So, with plenty of options waiting to replace him, time is running out for Rizwan, who must prove his mettle against South Africa to avoid on ODI exclusion.
