Lucknow, April 2 (NationPress) All-rounder Sameer Rizvi shared insights on his impressive unbeaten score of 70 off 47 balls during the Delhi Capitals (DC) chase against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He highlighted his partnership with Tristan Stubbs, mentioning their strategy of taking their time to build the innings, especially after the team found itself struggling at 26/4.

Coming in at the crucial No. 4 position while the team was facing challenges on a surface that presented seam and swing, Rizvi noted that the coaching staff had prepared him for this role.

“The coach informed me beforehand that I would bat at number four and assured me of their support. He encouraged me to play my natural game and maintain a positive mindset. When I stepped in today, my aim was to play positively. However, we lost wickets rapidly, finding ourselves four down at around 24 to 26, which made it a challenging situation. I discussed with Tristan Stubbs, and we agreed that there were still many overs left, so we didn’t need to hurry,” Rizvi explained to the media after the match.

The conditions at Ekana Stadium required patience, a fact that both Rizvi and Stubbs quickly recognized as LSG’s pace-heavy bowling attack made full use of the pitch.

“The wicket was somewhat sticky with movement for fast bowlers, making it tough for batters early on. It was essential to spend time in the middle before playing freely. We noticed that the fast bowlers were gaining more assistance from the pitch, so we aimed to score more once the spinners came on. We planned to take calculated risks whenever the ball was in our zone, but without forcing any shots,” he elaborated.

Rizvi’s innings reflected the challenges faced. At one point, he found himself at just 5 runs off 13 balls, struggling to score boundaries as DC’s chase seemed to wane. A single boundary, however, changed the course of not just his innings but the match.

“We didn’t hit many boundaries early, and I had faced around 12-13 balls without one. Then a loose delivery came my way, and I believed it was my chance to score. I hit a boundary off it, which boosted my confidence significantly. As a batter, when you’ve been quiet for the first 10-12 balls, that one boundary really helps you settle in. It was the same for me. After that, I could ease up and play my natural game,” he reflected.

This shift was evident as he began targeting the spinners, especially Shahbaz Ahmed and Aiden Markram, turning the tide in DC’s favor. His familiarity with the No. 4 position played a crucial role in how he managed pressure and helped rebuild the innings.

“It instills a lot of confidence in me. When I play for UP State or in the UP T20, I typically bat at No. 4, so I feel quite at ease in that role. Having the chance to showcase my skills in a tournament like this is exhilarating. It allows me the freedom to express my game as I wish. When I bat in my usual position, I feel more comfortable and confident. I prepare myself mentally for these opportunities, aiming to make the most of them and contribute to the team,” the all-rounder mentioned.

Alongside Stubbs, Rizvi formed a crucial 119-run partnership that shifted the match away from LSG, combining caution with timely aggression.

Discussing their partnership, Rizvi said, “When we bat together, our approach is straightforward; we adapt to the situation. If quick runs are necessary, we remain positive. If the circumstances are tough, we take our time and build the innings. Having a partner who understands the situation well is always beneficial.”

Despite finishing unbeaten and guiding the chase with poise, Rizvi stressed that his focus remained on the immediate task rather than the end result.

“At that moment, I wasn’t contemplating too far ahead because the situation was quite different. The emphasis was on taking the game deep and staying present. Winning a full 20-over match like this feels much different from finishing a game in one over. Each situation is unique, and I truly enjoyed this innings because of the context,” he stated.

Having made a significant impact in his first match of the season, the young batter is now aiming for consistency in the upcoming tournament. “I haven’t had many innings in the IPL until now, so consistency is something I want to focus on. This was my first innings of the season, and I intend to build on this and deliver steady performances in the forthcoming matches,” he concluded.

Rizvi also acknowledged the support system at Delhi Capitals for preparing him for such moments, emphasizing a process-oriented environment over performance pressure.

“The support staff and coaches have been incredibly helpful. We have conducted numerous off-season camps, with a consistent focus on enhancing our skills rather than pressuring us to perform. They have motivated me to concentrate on my batting, understand what works best for me, and continue improving those areas. That has been immensely beneficial,” he concluded.

Rizvi’s unbeaten score of 70 in DC’s six-wicket triumph over LSG was significantly more than just a match-winning contribution. It was an innings characterized by patience, clarity, and a keen understanding of conditions following an early collapse in a challenging chase of 142.