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NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals management must be thrilled to see their new signing Sameer Rizvi showcasing his explosive batting, smashing bowlers all over the park with his hard-hitting abilities. Sameer, who was acquired by DC for Rs 95 lakh during the IPL Auction, delivered a sensational performance on Saturday, hammering an unbeaten 201 off just 97 balls in an Under-23 State A Trophy match.
The Uttar Pradesh captain was in sublime form, taking the Tripura bowlers to task with 13 fours and a staggering 20 sixes, propelling his team to a mammoth total of 405. Tripura, chasing a daunting target of 405, succumbed under pressure and could only manage 253/9, losing the match by a comprehensive 152 runs.
For Rizvi, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dressing room in IPL 2024, much of his success is credited to MS Dhoni’s influence, particularly in developing his power-hitting, reading bowlers, and handling pressure situations.
In his maiden IPL stint with five-time champions CSK, Rizvi played eight matches, scoring 51 runs at an average of 12.75.
“I have spent some good time with Mahi sir. It was a dream to share the dressing room with my childhood hero and idol, and I am always grateful to God that it came true. I learned a lot from Mahi sir. I wanted to make full use of the opportunity, and whenever I got the chance, I walked up to him and asked him a lot of things. I used to stand at the corner of the nets and watch him closely. He is so calm, and he doesn’t care who the bowler is in front of him. After the nets, I used to chat with him. He taught me about the mindset and how to take my game forward,” Rizvi said in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
“Mahi sir said, ‘Everyone plays cricket, but what makes you stand out is something different, and that’s where the mindset comes into the picture.’
“He said, ‘Just keep calm in every situation. Whether you need a six off one ball or one run off six balls, just keep calm. Never think of defeats. If you think about them, you’ll lose focus immediately. Wins and defeats are part and parcel of the game, so don’t think about them much. Just believe in yourself’,” Rizvi recalled.
And on Saturday, he believed in himself to the fullest.
“My mindset is simple: to keep my team in a comfortable zone by helping them set a big score against the opposition. When I reached my century, only 5-6 overs were left. I told myself, ‘Let’s do it. Jo hoga dekh lenge.’ The ball was coming onto the bat nicely, and I was in good rhythm. I smashed a couple of sixes and then kept the flow going. I was enjoying tonking the ball out of the park. But 200 was not on my mind. I just wanted to put up a big total on the board,” Rizvi added.
DELHI CAPITALS – RIZVI’S NEW TEAM
Rizvi acknowledges that he didn’t have the best IPL season with CSK, who splurged Rs 8.4 crore on him during the IPL 2024 mini-auction.
Despite his reputation as a destructive middle-order batter, often dubbed the “right-handed Suresh Raina,” Rizvi faced only 43 balls across eight matches and struggled to make a mark.
Ahead of IPL 2025, Rizvi was acquired by DC, signaling a new chapter in his career.
“I am not disappointed that I won’t be playing for CSK because it is up to the franchises to decide who they want in their team. I am young and have a long journey ahead in my career, so I am ready for every change, challenge, and opportunity. I am looking forward to playing for and learning at Delhi Capitals,” Rizvi said.
“Honestly, I didn’t do much for CSK last year, but I am happy with the takeaways from the champion side like CSK. They taught me a lot. I am keen to hit the Delhi Capitals’ nets and perform for them. Delhi has a star-studded side. KL Rahul is there, Faf du Plessis is there. I want to take a lot of tips from KL Rahul regarding my batting. He is a class batter.
“I want to carry on the same show in the IPL as well. I just want to play as many matches as possible for my new team, Delhi Capitals. I will use Mahi sir’s advice in IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals,” the all-rounder added.
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