Sameer Rizvi, the dynamic six-hitting talent from Uttar Pradesh, is eagerly anticipating the chance to share the dressing room with his cricketing idol, MS Dhoni, for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Following a substantial deal of INR 8.4 crore at the recent auction in Dubai, Rizvi is gearing up to collaborate with some cricket legends.
Alongside his admiration for Dhoni, Rizvi has always held former CSK all-rounder Suresh Raina in high regard. Raina, a stalwart of Uttar Pradesh cricket, has been a significant influence on Rizvi since their initial encounter.
Recounting their first meeting, Rizvi mentioned, “Back in 2011, when I was 7-8 years old, Raina was playing a Ranji Trophy match at my local ground. I had the privilege of being a ball boy, and Raina bhaiya was practicing. He asked me to bowl to him, and as I did, he would knock the ball.”
Reflecting on that memorable day, Rizvi shared an endearing anecdote, saying, “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.”
Rizvi’s talent began drawing attention during the UP T20 League while representing the Kanpur Super Stars. His impressive tally of 455 runs in nine matches, which included a scorching century off just 47 deliveries, did not go unnoticed. Further showcasing his prowess, Rizvi amassed 454 runs in seven matches during the state Under-23 tournament.
What truly captivated scouts, however, was Rizvi’s phenomenal ability to consistently dispatch the ball out of the park, registering an impressive 72 sixes across 16 matches.
Reflecting on Raina’s influence, Rizvi conveyed, “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.”
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