Wicketkeepers enjoy a unique vantage point, providing crucial insights into the pitch and guiding bowlers to target optimal areas. MS Dhoni, former captain of India, is renowned for his exceptional ability to manage the game from behind the stumps. However, some keepers, like Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, can sometimes be overly enthusiastic with their appeals. While their proactive approach can be beneficial, it sometimes leads to frequent and intense appeals against batters.
Anil Chaudhary Talked About Mohammad Rizwan:
Rizwan’s energetic approach behind the stumps often results in frequent appeals. During last year’s Asia Cup, Indian umpire Anil Choudhary noticed this tendency and even informed his fellow umpire about Rizwan’s habit of making excessive appeals. This proactive step was aimed at managing the game more effectively by addressing Rizwan’s overzealous behavior during matches.
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On the 2 Sloggers podcast, Chaudhary reflected on the incident, noting that skilled umpires quickly recognize such tactics. He emphasized the importance of umpires being alert to wicketkeepers who make frequent or misleading appeals, advising them to be cautious and avoid falling for such strategies. This vigilance ensures fair play and helps maintain the integrity of the game.
Anil Chaudhary said, “ I encountered him [Rizwan] in last year’s Asia Cup. Har ball pe chillata hai (He keeps shouting on every ball). I even notified the other umpire about what Riwan was doing. There was a moment when the other umpire was close to obliging to his appeal but he suddenly recalled my words and turned it down. Isn’t he the one who puts something like a lipstick? He keeps jumping like a pigeon.”
He further said, “ But the good umpires are wise enough to judge such acts. When the umpires are good, such keepers are losers. So all the keepers who are listening to me must be aware that making false appeals won’t work. Otherwise, they might find themselves at the receiving end despite making a genuine call. It’s a technology-driven era where you can watch everything on the screen. Why to make fun of yourself with such acts.”
In the 2022 Asia Cup, an incident involving Rizwan and Chaudhary left Pakistan captain Babar Azam frustrated. During a Super 8 match against Sri Lanka, Rizwan requested a DRS review without consulting Babar. Chaudhary accepted the request and proceeded with the review, leading to a visibly annoyed Babar remarking, “I am the captain.” This moment highlighted the tension between on-field decisions and team leadership.
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