CSK Batter Sameer Rizvi Speaks About MS Dhoni Influence After Impressive Maiden IPL Outing
Chennai: Indian Premier League’s (IPL) newest kid on the block, Sameer Rizvi, thanked former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni for guiding him on his debut against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday in a winning encounter. Bought for Rs 8.40 crore by the five-time champions during IPL 2024 auction, Rizvi made headlines straightaway when he hit Rashid Khan for a first-ball six at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. Two balls later, Rizvi once again sent the Afghanistan spinner over the ropes to add a crucial six-ball 14, helping CSK breach the 200-run mark.
Speaking after the game, Rizvi recalled how Dhoni asked him to keep things simple. “Bhaiya (Dhoni) told me to play how I generally play since it is all about the actual gameplay. He (Dhoni) said, ‘There is nothing different. Skills remain the same, and it’s all just about mindset. Never take any pressure or be nervous, and play as per the situation’,” he said in a video on IPLT20.com.
Having impressed with his big sixes in the UP T20 league, Rizvi was one of the hot uncapped properties going into the auction. The right-hander recalled the moment when he was picked up by CSK during the auction, as he felt that his dream of meeting Dhoni will eventually come true.
“When I was picked up during the auction by CSK, my greatest happiness was my dream to meet Bhaiya (MS Dhoni) would be fulfilled. We also had net sessions together and got to learn a lot from him and the (support) staff. I intend to learn more and perform to the fullest.”
Having played cricket for Uttar Pradesh, he has decent T20 numbers, scoring 309 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 137.33, including two half-centuries. Speaking about his jersey number, the 20-year-old Meerut batter said, “My jersey number is seven, which is currently worn by Bhaiya and I can’t get it.
“So, I liked the number 1, and I took it.” Rizvi also talked about the positive atmosphere in the CSK dressing room. “Everyone loves each other in the team and backs everyone. The thought process of hitting the six in my first ball came out of my heart, and the team members also cheered for me with all their hearts,” he said.
“Whenever I have a query in mind, I ask everyone in the team, be it in batting or fielding, about their mentality while going to bat. Learning these small things would benefit me in the long run,” he concluded. The defending champions won both their games so far and will next play Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.