MS Dhoni advises Sameer Rizvi not to feel pressure, but to play as per the situation
MS Dhoni advises Sameer Rizvi not to feel pressure, but to play as per the situation
Sameer Rizvi, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter made an enticing Indian Premier League (IPL) debut against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday. He revealed the advice he received from the franchise’s legendary former skipper MS Dhoni ahead of his first appearance at the major level. The fortress at Chepauk stood untouched as the Chennai Super Kings registered a comprehensive 63-run win over the Gujarat Titans.
Amidst this match, Rizvi, bought by CSK for Rs 8.4 crores in the IPL auction held last year, came in the 19th over and took one of the best T20 bowlers of the world, Rashid Khan, to the cleaners with a massive six on the very first ball he faced in his IPL career. He would go on to hit him for one more six before perishing for a short, but a valuable cameo of 14 in six balls.
Despite the amount of runs being not so big, Rizvi’s big-hitting and positive intent while facing a world-class bowler stood out. Many lauded the fact that he did not sweat at all in launching Rashid for those two sixes.
In a video posted by the IPL’s official X handle, Rizvi said that he was determined to launch any ball coming into his radar, into the skies.
He went on to add that the way the situation was in the 19th over when he was sent, he was going to hit it big if a delivery was on his radar. The very first ball was in his area and he lofted it for a six. Rizvi, last year, shot to fame with his performances in the UPT20 League last year.
He scored 455 runs in 10 matches at an average of over 50, with two tons and a fifty.
His runs came at a strike rate of over 188. In 11 T20s for UP, he has scored 295 runs at an average of 49.16 and an SR of over 134, with two fifties.
Earlier in February, he smashed a triple century during the Colonel CK Nayadu Trophy quarterfinals against Saurashtra, Rizvi smashed 312 runs in 266 balls. His knocks had 33 fours and 12 sixes.
His runs came at a strike rate of 117.29.
Rizvi further went on to add that he was happy to be picked up by the Yellow franchise since it was his life-long dream to meet Dhoni.
When auction happened, CSK picked him up, and he was happy because meeting
MS Dhoni was a dream, let alone playing with him. It has been fulfilled. He got to learn a lot from him and the staff. He is trying to learn as much as possible and do well.
Recalling Dhoni’s advice, Rizvi said that India’s World Cup-winning skipper asked him to play his natural game.
On his jersey number, Rizvi said that he originally wore number seven but had to settle for number one as his favourite number was already in use by none other than Dhoni.
News Edit K.V.Raman
