Samir Rizvi credits the practice after the 90th star
Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman Sameer Rizvi credits his intense self-improvement for the match-winner against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Rizvi’s scintillating 90 off 51 balls led DC to a six-wicket win over MI on Saturday.
His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi comfortably chased down a target of 163.
The win was DC’s second win over MI in their last seven IPL encounters. This was also only their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, with the other win coming in the Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Rizvi, who was chosen as the best player in the match, spoke about the efforts he made over the past year to improve his playing style.“I have worked hard on myself. Since last year, there have been many changes. I have identified my weaknesses, especially against fast bowlers, and worked on them all year. The hard work is paying off now,” Rizvi said.He also highlighted 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 things settled down, I played my shots and focused on watching the ball until the end,” he added.
Speaking about dealing with different match scenarios, Rizvi emphasized the value of stability at the crease. “Whenever I am under pressure, I try to give myself time. Once you are ready, you understand the situation better and batting becomes easier,” he explained.The youngster also acknowledged the importance of performing in the IPL. “Yes, this is a very important time for any player because if you score and bat well here, you gain confidence.
You can also get opportunities to go further, play more and get opportunities on bigger platforms. “Sir, it is very good for us young people,” he said.
Debut in IPL 2024
Rizvi first caught attention in IPL 2024 when he smashed a six off his first ball against Rashid Khan while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a modest start to his Indian Premier League career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals, scoring three consecutive half-centuries.In his first eight IPL innings, Rizvi has managed just 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, in his last three matches, the right-hander has turned things around in a big way, amassing 218 runs, including three fifties. Rizvi’s strike was historic in many ways. His score of 90 is the second highest score by an influential player in IPL history, behind Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.It is also the third highest individual score by a DC bat against MI, after Virender Sehwag’s 95* in 2013 and Jason Roy’s 91* in 2018. Additionally, his seven sixes are the most by a DC bat against MI, equaling the records of Rishabh Pant (2019) and Tristan Stubbs (2024).With 160 runs in just two innings this season, Rizvi now holds the Orange Cap, underscoring his explosive start in IPL 2026.