Delhi Capitals batter Sameer Rizvi is making waves in IPL 2026. The 22-year-old delivered his third straight league-half-century on Saturday, blasting a career-best 90 during a tense chase against Mumbai Indians.
Quick facts
- Player: Sameer Rizvi (Delhi Capitals)
- Milestone: Third consecutive IPL half-century
- Innings: 90 runs off 51 balls
- Boundaries: Seven fours and seven sixes
- Chase context: DC were 7/2 chasing 163
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Key partnership mentioned: Rizvi and Pathum Nissanka (66-run stand)
- Notable commentary: Ravichandran Ashwin praised Rizvi’s clean striking and questioned CSK’s decision to release him
Rizvi arrived at the crease with Delhi in early trouble, sitting at 7/2 while chasing 163 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Although the start wasn’t smooth, he found a rhythm at the right time, combining with Pathum Nissanka to build a steady platform when pressure was mounting.
For much of the innings, Rizvi played the supporting role during their 66-run stand. The momentum shifted decisively after Nissanka’s dismissal, and that’s where Rizvi’s impact truly took over—accelerating through the gears to turn the chase on its head.
In the end, he was dismissed for a dazzling 90 off just 51 deliveries. His innings, packed with seven boundaries of each type—fours and sixes—left little doubt about his finishing ability, and it effectively paved the way for a second consecutive win for Delhi.
Ashwin weighs in
Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted what set Rizvi apart on a surface where batting looked difficult for others. The former India spinner stressed that the batter appeared to be striking the ball with exceptional timing and ease, even on a pitch that didn’t offer the same comfort to his peers.
Ashwin also took aim at the decision-making around Rizvi’s earlier stint. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he argued that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made an error by letting Rizvi go before the previous season, adding that Delhi benefited significantly from securing the youngster at a low auction price.
“I want to talk about Sameer Rizvi. What a batter he is. We talk about talent scouting, we will have our eye on some player, and he gets picked in the auction, and we are happy for them. This guy was selected in CSK’s team, two years ago. He gave okay-okay performances, and he was shining in those. CSK released him, they could have retained him for just 3 or 4 crores,” Ashwin said.
He further noted the value Delhi extracted from the acquisition. “DC got him for just 95 Lakh in the auction, and they have got return of investment, maybe 10 or 20, or even 100 times. It was a difficult pitch, and he was able to control the bat swing. Nobody was able to time the ball well. But the way he was batting, it seemed like he was batting on a different pitch,” Ashwin added.
