Only the future will tell where this caravan ends for Sameer Rizvi and Delhi Capitals. But the start has been perfect. The rakish right-hander has played two swashbuckling knocks in tough situations to take the team home. And with that, Axar Patel and co. have two Ws against their name. This is despite the big names not firing yet. They play their next game against Gujarat Titans at the same venue, on Wednesday, April 8.
Meanwhile, for Mumbai Indians, it will be quick turnaround. They will fly to Guwahati to lock horns with Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, April 7. But right now, the inaugural champions are in action at Ahmedabad. Switch tabs to tune into GT vs RR.
From this window, this is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of Akshay Bhide, Ajay Pal Singh, AkshayaKrishna Polya, Aman, Paras Yadav and Manish Bishnoi. Keep following CREX for more cricketing action from around the world. Sayonara!
Three Consecutive Player of the Match Awards in IPL:
Jacques Kallis (RCB), 2010
Virender Sehwag (DC), 2012
Glenn Maxwell (PBKS), 2014
Aaron Finch (GL), 2016
Virat Kohli (RCB), 2016
Jos Buttler (RR), 2018
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK), 2020
Sameer Rizvi (DC), 2025*
Most Wins vs Mumbai Indians in the IPL
18 - Chennai Super Kings
17 - Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals*
15 - Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Sameer Rizvi: "(What changed since the last year?) I have worked really hard on my weaknesses. I used to have some problems against fast bowlers, but I worked on it in the last year and now I am reaping the fruits.
(Mindset coming in to bat?) I try to play according to the situation. I took some time in both the innings I have played. I tried to watch the ball till the end. And it paid off." He gets handed the orange cap, grabs it and wears it proudly. Then, continues to talk with a smile on his face. "When you take some time, things become easier for you. (How important is the IPL?) It is an important time for any player, because if you do well here, you can get more opportunities. So, I'll try to continue the good work."
Player of the Match: Sameer Rizvi
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals Captain): "[Thoughts on the flexibility in the team] In T20 cricket, it's all about the flexibility. If you have players who can play anywhere, it's good. We are open-minded. If the wicket suits any player, we send them.
[On selecting Sameer ahead of Ashutosh as Impact Player] When you practice together, you get to know players. Ashutosh is batting really well. But it's a good thing if this is the problem I'm facing to select players.
[What's the secret behind the wins?] It's important to take one game at a time. If you are winning, it's important to carry forward the momentum. IPL is a long tournament and it's important to carry forward the winning momentum. We will make sure that we don't repeat the mistake we committed last year."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Jasprit Bumrah (13 Dot Balls)
Super Fours of the Match: Sameer Rizvi (7 Fours)
Super Sixes of the Match: Sameer Rizvi (7 Sixes)
Super Striker of the Match: Sameer Rizvi (SR 176.47)