Former India batsman Mohammed Kaif hailed Sameer Rizvi’s rise in IPL 2026 as a testament to the strength of India’s domestic cricket system following the youngster’s win against Mumbai Indians. Kaif attributed Rizvi’s success to the grind of domestic cricket and highlighted how consistent exposure at this level builds confidence for the big stage.
Once again under pressure for Delhi Capitals, Rizvi produced a stunning 90 off 51 balls leading his side to a six-wicket win. The youngster, who came on as an Impact Sub, turned the game on its head after DC found itself in early trouble during the 163 chase.
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“Sameer Rizvi’s IPL success – 58, 70 and now 90 against MI – is a tribute to Indian domestic cricket. Rizvi and his UP teammate Prashant Veer were constantly on the road playing Mushtaq Ali’s T20 and U23 games. One day in Kolkata, the next in Kolkata and back to Kolkata again.”
“More domestic cricket translates into confidence and running at the highest level. Hard work always pays and Rizvi is a perfect example of that,” Kaif wrote on X.
Rizvi’s performances this season have underlined the growing maturity of his game. After a 70 run out in Lucknow earlier, he backed it up with another decisive knock and showed poise in tricky conditions at Kotla where the pitch offered little respite for the batsmen.
This trust was built on a strong domestic foundation. Representing Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Rizvi proved to be a highly effective middle-order batsman, scoring 238 runs at an average of 59.50 and playing a key role in their run to the quarter-finals. His campaign included a blistering 80 off 45 balls against Jammu & Kashmir and an unbeaten 88 in the knockout stage, which highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure.
Interestingly, coming into the season, Rizvi wasn’t even a guaranteed starter in a Delhi side loaded with Indian batting depth, including Abishek Porel, Ashutosh Sharma and Karun Nair. But two consecutive impressive innings put him firmly in the limelight.
HOW RIZVI HELPED DC SINK ME
Rizvi came in with DC under pressure after another shaky start at the top. Alongside Pathum Nissan, he leveled the innings with a crucial 66-run partnership that allowed Delhi to regain control of the chase.
Once set up, Rizvi shifted gears effortlessly. His knock, with seven fours and seven sixes, combined patience early on with calculated aggression later, ensuring the required pace never got out of hand.
With David Miller providing support towards the end, Rizvi finished the job in style, taking DC home with 11 balls to spare. On a slow and drawn-out surface, his ability to control the pace of the innings proved to be the difference.
For Delhi Capitals, it was another reminder of the depth of their Indian batting core. For Rizvi, it was the next step in what is fast becoming a breakthrough IPL season – a season built on a foundation of domestic grind and opportunities seized at the right time.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
05 April 2026 12:29 IST
