Sameer Rizvi, a young and promising cricketer from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his recent success. Despite being an uncapped player, Sameer caught the attention of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who acquired him for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, making him the most expensive uncapped player of the season. His journey from local grounds in Meerut to becoming a CSK sensation is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 6, 2003, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Sameer Rizvi grew up in a family where sports played a significant role. His father, Haseen Lohia, is a property dealer, and his mother, Rukhsana, provided unwavering support throughout his journey.
Sameer’s love for cricket began early. At the age of 11, he started training under his maternal uncle, Tanqib Akhtar, at the Gandhibagh Academy. Tanqib’s coaching not only honed Sameer’s skills but also inspired him to take the game seriously, despite facing some initial resistance from his family regarding his academics.
Under the guidance of his uncle at Gandhibagh Academy, Sameer developed a strong foundation in cricket. This early mentorship focused on discipline and technique, shaping him into a skilled player with the potential to compete at higher levels.
Domestic Cricket Career
At the age of 16, Sameer made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy. His initial performance against Madhya Pradesh was challenging, as he was dismissed for low scores in both innings. However, this experience provided him with valuable lessons, fueling his determination to improve.
In the 2021–22 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sameer made his List-A debut for Uttar Pradesh, accumulating 205 runs in 11 matches at an average of 29.28. He later made his T20 debut on October 16, 2022, against Manipur, showcasing his potential in the shortest format of the game.
In the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sameer Rizvi had a notable performance. He played a key role for Uttar Pradesh, contributing significantly in several matches. Notable performance was was 61 runs off 70 balls in the match between Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Sameer Rizvi’s Record-Breaking Performances
UP Under-16 Success
Sameer’s early success in the UP-Under-16 tournaments set the stage for his cricketing journey. He scored 610 runs in seven matches, marking him as a promising talent from a young age.
Leading Run-Scorer in UP T20 League 2023
In the 2023 UP T20 League, Sameer became the tournament’s highest run-scorer, amassing 455 runs, including two centuries. His performances attracted attention from IPL scouts, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2024 IPL auction.
Most Expensive Uncapped Player in 2024 Auction
The 2024 IPL auction saw fierce bidding for Sameer Rizvi, with CSK ultimately securing him for Rs 8.40 crore. This significant investment underscores the franchise’s confidence in Sameer’s potential and ability to perform under pressure.
Achievements in the 2024 UP T20 League
In the 2024 UP T20 League, Sameer captained the Kanpur Superstars and demonstrated strong leadership. His performance was stellar, including an impressive 469 runs in the tournament.
Sameer’s top performances in the league included an 89 off 59 balls against Lucknow Falcons and a powerful 87 against Gorakhpur Lions. His consistency in scoring and leadership qualities earned him recognition as a rising star.
5 Interesting Facts About Sameer Rizvi
- Fastest Century in UP T20: He scored a 49-ball 104, setting a record in the UP T20 League.
- Captaincy Success: Led UP’s U-23 team to victory in the State A Trophy with a brilliant innings of 84.
- Debut Cap from Rinku Singh: Sameer received his maiden domestic T20 cap from Rinku Singh.
- Impressive T20 Average: Entered the 2024 IPL Auction with an average of nearly 50 in T20s.
- India U-19 Representation: Has represented India at the U-19 level, showing his potential on an international stage.
Sameer Rizvi’s Net Worth and Earnings
Sameer’s net worth is estimated to have increased significantly due to his Rs 8.40 crore contract with CSK. In addition to his IPL earnings, he receives an annual salary of Rs 20-30 lakh from domestic cricket.
Sameer’s Inspirations and Role Models
Sameer idolizes former Indian captain MS Dhoni. Dhoni’s calm demeanor and strategic brilliance have deeply influenced Sameer’s approach to the game, especially in high-pressure situations.
With a promising domestic career and an IPL contract, Sameer is poised to make a mark in international cricket. His performances in the upcoming IPL season will be crucial in determining his path to the national team.
Rizvi’s reputation as a powerful hitter could draw significant attention from multiple franchises looking to bolster their middle order. Besides all this, he is also a fan of Indian star batter Rohit Sharma. So, it will be interesting to see whether he ends up with Chennai or joins MI in the upcoming season.
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