“I used to chat with him”: MS Dhoni a big factor in CSK discard Sameer Rizvi’s stellar show

Sameer Rizvi was let go by CSK during IPL retentions, and was then bagged by DC for 95 lakh at the auction for IPL 2025.

There is no doubt that UP’s Sameer Rizvi is the next batting sensation from India, and the ex-CSK batter learnt much of his craft during the time he spent with the franchise in IPL 2024. The youngster, more recently showed sublime form in the U-23 A Trophy, where he first scored back-to-back tons, and then went on to score 201 from just 97 deliveries, against Tripura.

Sameer Rizvi Learnt a Lot from MS Dhoni

And of course, he gives MS Dhoni a lot of credit for that. In his innings, he smashed 20 sixes and 13 fours, to grab attention again. “I have spent some good time with Mahi sir. 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,” Sameer Rizvi told the Times of India.

Big Player in the Making

“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 remembered.