Delhi Capitals might have not qualified for IPL 2025 playoffs but they managed to unearth a few talents in a difficult campaign. Rocked by injuries and player pull outs throughout the season, the Capitals put their trust in young Sameer Rizvi. While Rizvi flattered to deceive early on, he made up for it with a maiden IPL half-century in the final game of the season.
Learnt how to stay calm from Mahi bhai: Sameer Rizvi
Before joining the Delhi Capitals, Sameer Rizvi spent a year with the Chennai Super Kings. The 5-time champions paid a whopping Rs 8.4 crore for the UP T20 League star in the mini auction. He featured only in a handful games, with his first ball six being the only highlight.
And while his time with CSK with short, Rizvi interacted and spent a lot of time with MS Dhoni. The legendary India captain handed him some pearls of wisdom on calmness.
“He [MS Dhoni] always tells us to stay calm in high-pressure situations and take deep breaths for 5–6 seconds, which will help us relax and think in a better way. He has always supported me off the field, especially on the mental side. From him, we can learn how to stay calm and composed in pressure situations. I copied Mahi bhaiya, especially for his mindset of handling pressure situations,” Rizvi told Crictracker.
Rizvi played 5 matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, scoring 121 runs at a healthy strike rate of 153.16. The 21-year-old finished the season with an unbeaten 58, marking his arrival on the big stage. Needing 91 off 46, Rizvi blitzed his way through to a Delhi win in 25 balls. He however hopes it is the start of bigger things with eyes on representing India.
“It was my first-ever IPL fifty, and it came in a match-winning way, winning the game for my team. It was a great feeling for me. I want to represent India and fulfill my childhood dream. Hope I perform well in the upcoming domestic and IPL seasons to get a chance in the Indian team,” he added.
Rizvi will now be action in the UPT20 League which kicks off on August 17. Rizvi had finished the 2024 season with the second most runs, with 469 runs in 13 innings.
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