Sameer Rizvi, who was bought for a hefty sum of ₹8.4 crores in the IPL 2024 auction, is once again making headlines. This time, however, it’s not just his on-field performance but also a statement that has drawn attention. Playing in the UP T20 League, Rizvi revealed in an interview that he is deeply religious and finds peace in his daily prayers, something he values even more than scoring a century. His reflections on cricket, his idols Dhoni and Virat Kohli, and his experience with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have sparked curiosity about his future in the IPL.
Lessons from Legends: Dhoni and Virat Kohli
In the interview, Rizvi shared the valuable lessons he learned from two of cricket’s biggest icons. From MS Dhoni, he picked up the art of staying calm under pressure, a quality that has defined Dhoni’s illustrious career. Regarding Virat Kohli, Rizvi spoke about his humility, noting that despite Kohli’s legendary status, he remains grounded and approachable. Rizvi also expressed his admiration for the CSK environment, calling it an amazing experience and voicing his desire to continue playing for the franchise in the future.
Uncertain Future with CSK
Despite his admiration for CSK, Rizvi admitted that there has been no discussion with the team regarding his retention for the upcoming season. He also emphasized that the money involved in the IPL is secondary to him. What matters more, according to Rizvi, is getting enough opportunities to prove himself on the field, even if he is bought for a modest ₹20 lakhs. Rizvi’s debut season in IPL 2024 didn’t go as planned; he managed only 51 runs in 8 matches while being positioned as a match finisher.
Redemption in the UP T20 League
While his IPL debut was underwhelming, Rizvi has been showcasing his talent in the UP T20 League, where he is captaining the Kanpur Superstars. In just 3 matches, he has scored 137 runs at an impressive average of over 45, reaffirming his potential. His performance in the UP T20 League has already caught the eyes of many, and similar displays could boost his chances in the IPL 2025 auction.
As the IPL 2025 approaches, it remains to be seen if CSK will take a gamble on retaining Rizvi or if his future lies with another franchise. What is clear, though, is that Rizvi’s story is far from over, and his journey in cricket is one to watch closely.
