Kamal Ghorui
Delhi Capitals (DC) batter Sameer Rizvi credited his intense self-improvement for his match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Rizvi’s scintillating 90 off 51 balls powered DC to a six-wicket win over MI on Saturday. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi chased down a target of 163 comfortably. The victory marked DC’s second win over MI in their last seven IPL encounters. It was also only their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, with the other coming in a Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Named Player of the Match, Rizvi reflected on the effort he has put in over the past year to refine his game.“I have worked very hard on myself. Since last year, there have been many changes. I identified my weaknesses, especially against fast bowlers, and worked on them throughout the year. The hard work is paying off now,” Rizvi said.He also highlighted the importance of adapting to match situations. “I always try to play according to the situation. At the start, our situation required patience, so I took my time. Once I got settled, I played my shots and focused on watching the ball till the very end,” he added.Speaking about handling different match scenarios, Rizvi emphasized the value of settling in at the crease. “Whenever I come in under pressure, I try to give myself time. Once you are set, you understand the situation better and batting becomes easier,” he explained.The youngster also acknowledged the significance of performing in the IPL. “Yes, this is a very important time for any player because if you score runs and bat well here, you gain confidence. You also get opportunities to move ahead, to play more, and to get chances on bigger platforms. So sir, it is a very good thing for us youngsters,” he said.
Debut in IPL 2024
Rizvi first grabbed attention in IPL 2024 when he smashed a six off his very first ball against Rashid Khan while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a modest start to his IPL career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals, registering three consecutive half-centuries.In his first eight IPL innings, Rizvi managed just 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, in his last three matches, the right-hander has turned things around dramatically, amassing 218 runs, including three fifties. Rizvi’s knock was historic in multiple ways. His 90 is the second-highest score by an Impact Player in IPL history, behind Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.It is also the third-highest individual score by a DC batter against MI, after Virender Sehwag’s 95* in 2013 and Jason Roy’s 91* in 2018. Additionally, his seven sixes are the joint-most by a DC batter against MI, equalling the records of Rishabh Pant (2019) and Tristan Stubbs (2024).With 160 runs in just two innings this season, Rizvi now holds the Orange Cap, underlining his explosive start to IPL 2026.
