Sameer Rizvi credits training after stellar 90s Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman 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 the DC to a six-wicket win over MI on Saturday. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi comfortably chased down the target of 163. The win marked DC’s second win over MI in the last seven IPL encounters. It was also only their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, the second coming in the Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Rizvi was named man of the match and reflected on the efforts he had made to improve his game over the past year.“I have worked very hard on myself. There have been many changes since last year. I have 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 stressed the importance of adapting to match situations. “I always try to play according to the situation. In the beginning, our situation required patience, so I took my time. Once I settled down, I played my shots and focused on following the ball until the very end,” he added.Talking about handling different match scenarios, Rizvi emphasized the value of settling in at the crease. “Whenever I get under pressure, I try to take my time. Once you are prepared, you understand the situation better and the batting is easier,” he explained.The youngster also acknowledged the importance of performing in the IPL. “Yes, this is a very important time for every player because if you score and bat well here, you get confidence. You also get opportunities to move forward, play more and get chances on bigger platforms. So sir, it’s 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 humble start to his IPL career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals where he has registered three consecutive half-centuries.In his first eight IPL innings, Rizvi managed just 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, the right-hander has turned things around dramatically in his last three games, racking up 218 runs, including three fifties. Rizvi’s knock was historic in many ways. His 90 is the second highest score by an Impact Player in IPL history behind Jose Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.It is also the third highest individual score by a DC batting 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 batting against MI, equaling the records held by Rishabh Pant (2019) and Tristan24 (2019).With 160 runs in just two innings this season, Rizvi now holds the Orange Cap, underlining his explosive start to IPL 2026.
