IPL 2024: Sameer Rizvi opens up on impressive Chepauk outing

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) batter Sameer Rizvi opened up about his stunning performance against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024). After coming in to bat at No. 6, Rizvi smashed a six off premier spinner Rashid Khan, following it up with another maximum in the same over. He scored 14 off just six deliveries before being dismissed by Mohit Sharma.  

He earned praise from cricket pundits following the knock. While speaking about his knock, Rizvi stated he felt that anyone who came to bat at that spot would be expected to hit a six and he did that. The 20-year-old also stated that it was clear in his mind that he wanted to strike maximum.

Also read: 'Don't feel the pressure' - Sameer Rizvi reveals key MS Dhoni advice after his cameo against GT

"When Rashid came to bowl in the 19th over, the coach [Stephen Fleming] told me if a wicket falls, you will go out to bat. After that, it was set in my mind that it was the 19th over and it was a spinner bowling and if they are sending me at this point of the match, anyone who walks in will be expected to smash boundaries. So, in my head, only one thing was going on - I have to go out and hit it big - I was clear about that," Rizvi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

The Meerut-born cricketer made his debut during the IPL 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Chennai last week. He did not get a chance to bat in the first game but admitted that he felt nervous while fielding. He added that the mindset was totally different while batting in the second match. 

Also read: Sameer Rizvi's family celebrates batter's twin sixes on IPL debut, video goes viral

"Before I stepped onto the ground at the team meeting, I received my debut cap. And that's when I found out I was playing the first match. I was a little nervous when I was fielding but I never got to bat. But, in the second match, I mellowed down a bit and was not feeling nervous; there was no such pressure. I think I got used to the crowd after the match, so that's why I was not feeling much pressure," he added.