Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman Sameer Rizvi credited his intense self-improvement for the match-winning knock against him. Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Rizvi’s brilliant 90 off 51 balls led DC to a six-wicket victory over MI on Saturday. His innings included seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi comfortably chased down the target of 163. The victory is DC’s second win against MI in their last seven IPL matches. It was only their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, with the second coming in the Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Adjudged Player of the Match, Rizvi reflected on the efforts he has made over the past year to refine his game.“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 throughout the year. The hard work will pay off now,” Rizvi said.He also highlighted the importance of adapting to match conditions. “I always try to play according to the situation,” he added. In the beginning our situation required patience, so I took my time. Once I recovered, I played my shots and focused on seeing the ball until the end.Talking about handling different match scenarios, Rizvi stressed the importance of sitting at the crease. “Whenever I come under pressure, I try to give myself time. Once you are set, 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 runs here and bat well, your confidence goes up. You also get opportunities to advance, play more and get opportunities on bigger platforms. So sir, this is very good for us youth,” he said.
Debut in IPL 2024
Rizvi first came into the limelight in IPL 2024 when he hit a six on his very first ball against Rashid Khan while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a modest start to his IPL career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals, scoring three consecutive fifties.In his first eight innings of the IPL, Rizvi managed to score just 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, in his last three matches, the right-hander turned things around in dramatic fashion, 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, behind Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.It is also the third highest individual score by a DC batsman against MI. Virender Sehwag95* in 2013 and Jason Roy’s 91* in 2018. Additionally, his seven sixes are the joint-most by a DC batsman against MI, equaling the record held by 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 to IPL 2026.
