New Delhi: In the space of just a few days, Sameer Rizvi has turned into the talk of the ongoing IPL. The Uttar Pradesh youngster has delivered twice in tense chases, helping Delhi Capitals stay unbeaten and signalling that the franchise’s gamble may be paying off in a big way. DC’s turnaround matters even more because their transfer window situation earlier this year was far from straightforward.
The uncertainty around the squad was linked to Sanju Samson, who was understood to be close to making a move to Delhi before negotiations stalled. The friction did not stem from Samson or Tristan Stubbs—the name that had been discussed as part of a potential swap. Instead, the key hurdle was Rajasthan Royals’ requirement for “another uncapped Indian player” in the exchange.
Samson’s side was already leaning toward a change, but the asking price shaped the discussion. Rajasthan was open to the swap framework, yet Delhi needed to see a deal that made sense for both parties. When the uncapped Indian slot came up, the name floated was Rizvi—and DC quickly moved away from the idea of letting him go, despite the possibility of losing a more explosive option like Samson from their final mix.
Quick facts
- Sameer Rizvi has helped Delhi Capitals remain unbeaten by delivering two pressure chases.
- Rajasthan Royals’ transfer demand included “another uncapped Indian player,” leading to Rizvi being the name discussed.
- DC initially faced a complicated transfer-window scenario a few months earlier, tied to the Samson discussions.
- Rizvi was bought for Rs 95 lakh, down from his 2024 auction price of Rs 8.40 crore paid by CSK.
- Rizvi’s key recent knocks for DC include a 70 against Lucknow Super Giants and a 90 versus Mumbai Indians.
- He has produced Player of the Match performances in his last three DC outings, including the final game of the 2025 season.
Rizvi’s rise is also a story of persistence. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, he appeared in only five matches in the 2025 season, scoring 121 runs, but the coaching group felt there was more to work with—particularly during training sessions. That belief translated into a longer-term bet on the right-hander.
Delhi’s recruitment price reflected confidence, too. DC secured Rizvi for Rs 95 lakh, a sharp drop from the Rs 8.40 crore tag he carried from the 2024 auction, when CSK had bought him. In the 12 months that followed, the work done on his game has started to show clearly in the 2026 season.
Two knocks, one message
Under pressure, Rizvi first powered an unbeaten 70 against Lucknow Super Giants and then followed it with a composed 90 against Mumbai Indians. At 22 years old, the way he managed both chases stood out for its calmness and maturity, with his controlled innings helping DC take the league by storm.
His form heading into the present campaign has been consistent as well. Rizvi’s last three appearances for Delhi—including the concluding match of the 2025 season—came with Player of the Match accolades. In the ongoing IPL, he has already handled two demanding run-chases without getting rattled by the occasion, the situation, or the opposition.
Rizvi’s pathway through the age-group circuit had drawn attention in Uttar Pradesh, but the wider audience first took notice when CSK went hard for him at the 2024 auction for Rs 8.40 crore. The debut season did not immediately deliver the kind of returns everyone hoped for, yet those early lessons became the foundation for improvement.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, Rizvi focused on refining his approach, especially against high-quality pace. The comfort he gained was visible in his knocks against LSG and MI, where he looked more settled and more deliberate in how he built his innings.
In the matchups, the pattern was clear. He walked in at 7/2 versus MI and at 21/2 against LSG, but in both chases the objective was the same: protect the momentum early, get set, and then take control. The opening phase was not about fireworks; it was about surviving the pressure period and then accelerating at the right moment. Delhi also had the option to send more experienced batters, yet they chose Rizvi—and he justified that decision.
For many promising uncapped Indian players, the first season can bring jitters, and the follow-up season can be a struggle. Rizvi, however, has been able to sharpen his execution and return with impact. He pinpointed his challenge against fast bowling, put in extra work to address it, and the ease with which he moved through both run-chases highlighted his improved control.
After the match-winning knock against MI in Delhi, Rizvi described the preparation behind his results. “I have worked a lot on my game in the last 12 months. fast bowlers pe thoda sa kabhi problem hoti thi, toh unpe maine poora saal kaam kiya hai. I am getting rewards for my hard work. I try to play as per situation especially while chasing and that’s how I played in both the innings. The situation demanded some time early on and that’s what I did. I try seeing the ball till the very last moment and it has helped me significantly,” he said.
These are still early days in the IPL, and Rizvi’s career is only beginning to find its rhythm at the top level. But based on what has already been shown, the road ahead looks highly promising. For now, Delhi’s think tank deserves credit first for landing him at a bargain and then for holding firm against the lure of transfer temptations.
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