Sameer Rizvi Delivers Stellar Performance in Delhi Capitals' IPL 2026 Victory
In a thrilling start to the IPL 2026 season, young batter Sameer Rizvi emerged as the hero for Delhi Capitals with a composed and unbeaten innings of 70 runs off 47 balls. Chasing a target of 142 against Lucknow Super Giants, Rizvi walked in at the No. 4 position and guided his team to a convincing six-wicket win, marking a significant statement in his cricketing career.
Axar Patel's Pre-Season Challenge Sets the Stage
Ahead of the tournament, Axar Patel had sent Rizvi a message: "Tayyar rahio, ek challenge aane wala hai" (Be ready, a challenge is coming). Rizvi, unaware of how quickly this challenge would materialize, faced a tough situation early in the match. The Lucknow Super Giants' pace attack, led by Mohsin Khan, created a ring of fire for the batters. However, Rizvi weathered the initial storm with patience before accelerating his innings with remarkable control and precision.
No. 4: Rizvi's Preferred Batting Position
Rizvi's comfort at the No. 4 slot is no accident. He entered IPL 2026 on the back of impressive domestic performances, scoring 491 runs in the UP T20 League while primarily batting in that position. "I am comfortable batting at No. 4. The coach had told me earlier that I would come in at that spot and that they would back me," Rizvi explained after the match. He added that the management encouraged him to play his natural game and stay positive, a trust validated by Axar Patel's pre-game reminder.
According to his uncle and formative coach, Tankeeb Akhtar, Rizvi thrives at No. 4 because it allows him time to settle at the crease. "No. 4 is his favourite batting position. When he called me after the match, he was extremely happy and said, 'That was amazing, mamu'," Akhtar revealed. He noted that Rizvi's ability to perform under pressure was evident in last year's final match, where he scored 58 runs to help Delhi win, setting the stage for his current success.
Intense Preparation and Domestic Form
Rizvi's preparation for IPL 2026 was rigorous and methodical. While in Meerut, he batted for three hours daily on the centre wicket, facing medium pacers, spinners, and fast bowlers to simulate IPL conditions. "He has worked extremely hard for this season. While leaving, he just said, 'Mamu, you'll see - I will play well this time'," Akhtar shared. This dedication paid off, as Rizvi was the second-highest run-getter in the UP T20 League, averaging 61.38 with a strike rate of 161.51, and continued his form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 238 runs at an average of 59.50.
Navigating IPL's Ups and Downs
Rizvi's IPL journey has been marked by significant fluctuations. In 2024, he was picked by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 8.40 crore but struggled to capitalize on opportunities, managing only 51 runs in eight matches. Released the following season, his valuation dropped sharply, and Delhi Capitals acquired him for Rs 95 lakh. Despite this financial setback, Rizvi remained focused on the game. "Cricket comes first for him. He never talks about the price tag. He used to say whether it is Rs 8 crore or a Rs 20 lakh base price, he just wants to play cricket," Akhtar emphasized.
In 2025, Rizvi started in the playing XI but lost his place to other players, finishing the season with just five games and 121 runs at an average of 40.33, including a fifty in Delhi's final match. This year, as an impact substitute, he has already made a mark with his match-winning knock in the opener, hoping for a more consistent run.
Learning from Experience and Finding Support at DC
Reflecting on his time with Chennai Super Kings, Akhtar noted that Rizvi learned valuable lessons from MS Dhoni, which helped evolve his approach to the game. However, opportunities were limited after Dhoni stepped down as captain. "He just didn't get enough chances, that's all," Akhtar recalled. At Delhi Capitals, Rizvi has found a supportive environment, with Axar Patel treating him like an elder brother and senior players like KL Rahul offering guidance. "Axar has supported him a lot. He has told him one thing: 'Be focused on your goal'," Akhtar added.
From a quiet heads-up before the season to taking on challenges head-on, Sameer Rizvi has shown early signs of seizing his moment in his third IPL year, demonstrating resilience and talent that could define his career moving forward.
