Sameer Rizvi delivered a masterclass for the Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, proving exactly why he is considered one of the most clinical power-hitters in the IPL 2026 circuit. Entering the fray as an Impact Substitute, Rizvi hammered an unbeaten 70 to orchestrate a six-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, successfully hunting down a 142-run target with 17 deliveries to spare.
A Tale of Two Franchises: Statistical Evolution
Rizvi’s journey through the IPL highlights a significant transformation in his impact and consistency. Since moving from Chennai to Delhi, his numbers have seen a massive surge:
Sameer Rizvi IPL Performance Comparison
Franchise Innings Runs Average Strike Rate
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 5 51 12.75 118.6
Delhi Capitals (DC) 5 191 63.66 151.6
Who is Sameer Rizvi?
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, the 22-year-old (born December 6, 2003) has become a household name for his aggressive middle-order batting. His clean striking and fearless approach have earned him the social media moniker of the “right-handed Suresh Raina,” drawing direct parallels to the Indian legend’s playstyle.
Roots and Early Struggles
Rizvi’s cricketing journey began at age 11 in Meerut’s Gandhibagh Academy. Under the mentorship of his maternal uncle, he honed his skills despite his father’s initial preference for academic pursuits. A defining moment occurred when a young Rizvi caught the attention of Suresh Raina during a domestic match, earning praise for his fielding. Originally an opener, he transitioned into a middle-order role where his natural ability against spin flourished.
Domestic Dominance
Rizvi made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh at just 16 during the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy. However, it was in T20 cricket that he truly made headlines. In the UP T20 League, he scored 455 runs in nine innings, including two centuries and the fastest hundred of the tournament (off 47 balls).
IPL Journey and Record
Rizvi’s IPL career began when he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹8.40 crore in the 2024 auction, making him the most expensive uncapped player that year. He announced himself memorably by hitting his very first ball, bowled by Rashid Khan, for a six.
In 2025, he moved to Delhi Capitals and immediately found his stride, notably hitting an unbeaten 58 off 25 balls against Punjab Kings. Across his IPL career so far, Rizvi has played 14 matches, scoring 242 runs at an average of 34.57 and a strike rate of 143.20, with two half-centuries.
Official Match Summary: DC vs LSG
Lucknow Super Giants: 141 all out (18.4 overs)
Delhi Capitals: 145/4 (17.1 overs)
Top Scorer: Sameer Rizvi (70* off 47 balls)
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
