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Sameer Rizvi (Source: Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were one of the franchises that fared well in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction. The reigning champions have been boosted by the addition of a handful of talented players including Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and their former all-rounder Shardul Thakur. The Chennai-based franchise also broke the bank for Sameer Rizvi, Uttar Pradesh's six-hitting menace.
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Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC) were also involved in a bidding war to acquire the services of the 20-year-old. However, CSK managed to get him for a whopping investment of INR 8.4 crore. Rizvi will share the dressing room with many world-class players, including legendary skipper MS Dhoni.
Meanwhile, the Meerut-based batter shared his admiration for Suresh Raina and opened up about how the former CSK vice-captain inspired him. Notably, Raina also hails from UP and is arguably one of the finest cricketers from India's most populous state.
“Back in 2011, when I was 7-8 years old, Raina was playing a Ranji Trophy game at the ground where I used to play. I was a ball boy in that game. Raina bhaiya was knocking and asked to bowl to him. So I would bowl and he would knock,” Rizvi said.
“After his innings, Raina bhaiya was practicing slip catching. He called me over and had me join him in the slip. It was during that moment that he gifted me his Oakley sunglasses. That encounter remains etched in my memory as our first meeting," he added.
Rizvi had a breakthrough season with Kanpur Super Stars
Rizvi caught the attention of IPL franchises after his impressive performance in the UP T20 League while playing for Kanpur Super Stars. The right-hander smashed 455 runs from nine matches including the fastest hundred in the tournament off 47 balls. He also had a remarkable outing in the state Under-23 tournament, where he hit 454 runs from seven matches.
“He has motivated me immensely. He even approached me during the UPT20, commending my performance and expressing confidence in my future. His words of encouragement have always resonated with me, urging me to persevere," Rizvi concluded.
If the young lad can carry his blistering form into the IPL, he could be associated with the blockbuster franchise for much longer.