‘Hard work paid off’: Sameer Rizvi after scoring 90 runs against MI

Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman Sameer Rizvi attributes his match-winning performance to his intense self-improvement mumbai indians (MI) during the IPL 2026 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Rizvi’s impressive 90 off 51 balls helped DC beat MI by 6 wickets on Saturday. His innings stood at seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi easily chased down the target of 163 runs. The win marked DC’s second win over MI in their last seven IPL encounters. This was also their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, the other victory coming in the Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Rizvi, who was named man of the match, reflected on his efforts over the past year to perfect his game.“I have worked very hard on myself. A lot has changed since last year. I identified my weaknesses, especially against fast bowlers, and worked hard on them throughout the year. The hard work has paid off now,” Rizvi said.He also stressed the importance of adapting to match situations. “I always try to play according to the situation. In the beginning, our situation required patience, so I took my time. Once I settled down, I started shooting and focused on seeing the ball till the end,” he added.Talking about handling different match scenarios, Rizvi emphasized the value of adapting to the crease. “Whenever I’m under pressure, I try to give myself time. Once you’re ready, you understand the situation better and batting becomes easier,” he explained.The youngster also admitted the importance of performance in the IPL. “Yes, it’s a very important moment for any player because if you score runs here and bat well, you gain confidence. You’ll also have the opportunity to move on, play more games, and get opportunities on bigger platforms. So sir, this is a very good thing for us young people,” he said.

Debut in IPL 2024

Rizvi first came to attention in IPL 2024 when he was playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), hitting a six off his first ball against Rashid Khan. After a lackluster start to his IPL career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals with three consecutive half-centuries.In the first eight innings of the IPL, Rizvi scored only 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, in the last three games, the right-hander has turned things around dramatically, scoring 218 runs, including three fifties. Rizvi’s knock was historic in many ways. His 90 is the second-highest score by an impact player in IPL history, after Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.This is also the third highest individual score by a DC batsman against MI, after Virender SehwagHe shot 95* in 2013 and Jason Roy shot 91* in 2018. Additionally, his seven sixes are the joint-most by a DC batsman against MI, tying the record of Rishabh Pant (2019) and Tristan Stubbs (2024).Rizvi, who has scored 160 runs in just two innings this season, has been awarded the orange cap, underlining his explosive start to IPL 2026.