Sameer Rizvi’s DC success a salute to Indian domestic cricket: Ex-India star
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has hailed Sameer Rizvi’s rise in IPL 2026 as a testament to the strength of India’s domestic cricket system, following the youngster’s match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians. Kaif credited Rizvi’s success to the grind of domestic cricket, highlighting how consistent exposure at that level builds confidence for the big stage.
Rizvi once again delivered under pressure for Delhi Capitals, producing a stunning 90 off 51 balls to guide his side to a six-wicket win. Coming in as an Impact Substitute, the youngster turned the game on its head after DC found themselves in early trouble during the chase of 163.
DC vs MI, IPL 2026 Highlights | Scorecard
“Sameer Rizvi’s IPL success – 58, 70 and now 90 against MI – is a salute to India’s domestic cricket. Rizvi, and his UP teammate Prashant Veer, were constantly on the road playing Mushtaq Ali T20 and U23 games. One day in Kolkata, the next day in Mumbai and again back to Kolkata.
“More domestic cricket translates into confidence and runs at the top level. Hard work always pays and Rizvi is a perfect example of that,” Kaif wrote on X.
Rizvi’s performances this season have underlined a growing maturity in his game. After a breakout 70 in Lucknow earlier, he backed it up with another decisive knock, showing composure in tricky conditions at the Kotla, where the pitch offered little ease for batters.
That confidence has been built on a strong domestic foundation. Representing Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Rizvi emerged as a high-impact middle-order batter, 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, underlining his ability to deliver under pressure.
Interestingly, coming into the season, Rizvi was not even a guaranteed starter in a Delhi side packed with Indian batting depth, including Abishek Porel, Ashutosh Sharma and Karun Nair. But two consecutive impactful innings have firmly pushed him into the spotlight.
HOW RIZVI HELPED DC SINK MI
Rizvi walked in with DC under pressure after another shaky start at the top. Alongside Pathum Nissanka, he steadied the innings with a crucial 66-run partnership, allowing Delhi to regain control of the chase.
Once set, Rizvi shifted gears effortlessly. His knock, featuring seven fours and seven sixes, combined patience early on with calculated aggression later, ensuring the required rate never spiralled out of control.
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 sluggish surface, his ability to pace the innings proved to be the difference.
For Delhi Capitals, it was another reminder of the depth in their Indian batting core. For Rizvi, it was yet another step in what is quickly becoming a breakthrough IPL season — one built on the foundations of domestic grind and opportunity seized at the right time.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– Ends
