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MS Dhoni has asked Sameer Rizvi to stay calm in every situation and not think about results.
Sameer Rizvi reached the 200-run mark in just 97 deliveries where he smashed 13 boundaries and 20 maximums. (Image: X)
Uttar Pradesh’s Sameer Rizvi is using his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) mentor MS Dhoni’s advice to smash records in domestic cricket. In a recent interview, Rizvi recalled how Dhoni’s idea of never thinking about defeats has helped him believe in himself and stay calm in every situation.
Rizvi was signed for Rs. 8.4 crore by CSK in the IPL 2024 auction. The hard-hitter made an impressive debut but failed to do much more for the franchise, scoring 51 runs in five innings. He was released ahead of the upcoming season and signed for Rs 95 lakh by Delhi Capitals.
“I have spent some good time with Mahi sir,” Rizvi told TimesofIndia.com. “It was a dream to share the dressing room with my childhood hero and idol, and I am always grateful to God that it came true. I learned a lot from Mahi sir. I wanted to make full use of the opportunity, and whenever I got the chance, I walked up to him and asked him a lot of things. I used to stand at the corner of the nets and watch him closely. He is so calm, and he doesn’t care who the bowler is in front of him. After the nets, I used to chat with him. He taught me about the mindset and how to take my game forward.”
“Mahi sir said, ‘Everyone plays cricket, but what makes you stand out is something different, and that’s where the mindset comes into the picture.’ He said, ‘Just keep calm in every situation. Whether you need a six off one ball or one run off six balls, just keep calm. Never think of defeats. If you think about them, you’ll lose focus immediately. Wins and defeats are part and parcel of the game, so don’t think about them much. Just believe in yourself’,” Rizvi added.
On Saturday, the 21-year-old notched up the fastest double century in the Men’s U23 State A Trophy against Tripura. He got to the landmark in 97 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and 20 sixes and taking his side to 405 in a 152-run win.
This was his third century in the competition, making him the top run-scorer at 518 runs from four innings.
