'More the pressure, more he flourishes' - Aakash Chopra lavishes praise on 'warrior' Mohammad Rizwan

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was full of praise for Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan following his valiant effort in the Super Four opener of the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan outplayed the Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh by seven wickets in the low scoring encounter on September 6 at the Gaddafi Stadium. 

Pakistan bundled out Bangladesh for a paltry score of 193 runs in 38.4 overs, thanks to Haris Rauf’s excellent bowling spell (4/19). Opener Imam-ul-Haq (78 off 84) produced a 74-run partnership with Rizwan for the third wicket to steady Pakistan’s innings. The keeper-batter then scored an unbeaten 63 off 79 deliveries and helped Pakistan chase down the target in 39.3 overs.  

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra heaped praise on Rizwan, calling him a "warrior". The 45-year-old also stated that Rizwan is a player who flourishes when Pakistan are under pressure.

"Mohammad Rizwan - I like this player a lot. He is a warrior and he keeps fighting. The more pressure you put on him, the more he flourishes. Whether you play him in T20Is, ODIs or Tests, somehow whenever Pakistan are struggling, it brings the best out of him,” Chopra said.

Rizwan plays spin extremely well, he has a very good pick-up shot against fast bowling: Aakash Chopra

Chopra went on to praise Mohammad Rizwan for standing at the crease till the very end and helping the his side succeed. He further pointed out that the 31-year-old  is a "very good" player against pace and spin equally.

"Here also he stayed till the end and won them the match. He played very good sweeps and danced down the wicket to hit over cover. He plays spin extremely well and he has a very good pick-up shot against fast bowling. So Mohammad Rizwan is actually a very, very good player,” the former cricketer added.