Sameer Rizvi Powers Delhi Capitals Past Lucknow Super Giants with Unbeaten 70
When Axar Patel told Sameer Rizvi to prepare for a new challenge ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the 22-year-old batter was ready. Chasing 142 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rizvi delivered a composed, unbeaten 70 off 47 deliveries to secure a six-wicket victory for the Delhi Capitals.
Entering the match under pressure, Rizvi faced a hostile spell from Uttar Pradesh teammate Mohsin Khan and the rest of the Lucknow pace attack. Instead of faltering, he absorbed the early aggression, settled into the crease, and systematically dismantled the opposition to secure the win.
Thriving in the Number Four Position
Rizvi’s success stems from a clear role definition. Coming off a dominant domestic season, he had actively requested the number four spot—a position where he previously amassed 491 runs in the UP T20 League.
“I am comfortable batting at number four. I wanted to bat at that spot, and the coach assured me they would back me,” Rizvi told reporters post-match. “He asked me to play my natural game and stay positive.”
His uncle and childhood coach, Tankeeb Akhtar, confirmed that Delhi Capitals management communicated their plans early. Axar Patel explicitly told Rizvi to prepare for the middle-order assignment, which gave the young batter time to mentally adjust.
Recent Domestic and IPL Statistics
| Tournament/Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP T20 League (2023-24) | – | 491 | 61.38 | 161.51 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | – | 238 | 59.50 | – |
| IPL 2024 (CSK) | 8 | 51 | 6.37 | 118.60 |
| IPL 2025 (DC) | 5 | 121 | 40.33 | 153.16 |
Overcoming the Price Tag Pressure
Rizvi’s professional journey has featured significant fluctuations. In 2024, the Chennai Super Kings acquired him for Rs 8.40 crore. However, limited opportunities under shifting leadership restricted his output to just 51 runs across eight matches. Released the following year, his valuation dropped, and Delhi Capitals secured him for Rs 95 lakh ahead of the 2025 season.
Despite the massive financial drop, Rizvi remained focused entirely on securing playing time and refining his technique.
- Consistent Preparation: During the offseason, he spent three hours daily batting on center wickets in Meerut, facing a mix of medium pacers, spinners, and fast bowlers to simulate IPL conditions.
- Mental Resilience: According to his coach, Rizvi never let the price drop affect his demeanor, maintaining that his primary goal was simply to play competitive cricket.
- Learning from Veterans: His brief stint with MS Dhoni at CSK matured his approach to building an innings, while current mentors like KL Rahul keep him goal-oriented at DC.
“He learned a lot from MS Dhoni. His approach to the game and his thinking evolved,” Akhtar noted. “At Delhi, Axar has supported him a lot and treats him like an elder brother.”
Now in his third IPL campaign, Rizvi has established a foundation for consistent success. With the firm backing of the Delhi Capitals leadership, the 22-year-old is transforming his early potential into match-winning performances.