DC's Sameer Rizvi on his defined role, stellar half-century vs LSG

After his match-winning fifty, DC's Sameer Rizvi said coaches gave him a defined role at number four and encouraged him to play attacking cricket. He noted the Ekana pitch was challenging but helped DC beat LSG by six wickets in the IPL.

Following a stellar half-century against the Lucknow Super Gaints (LSG) on Wednesday, Delhi Capitals (DC) batter Sameer Rizvi said that after clear communication with the DC coaches, he was given a defined role at number four and encouraged to play attacking, positive cricket with full backing from the team. DC started the new IPL season with a thumping six-wicket win over LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday.

'Defined Role and Challenging Pitch'

Rizvi described the Ekana pitch as challenging, noting it was sticky with swing and seam movement, making it particularly difficult for batters against fast bowlers. "I spoke to the coach, and they told me that I will only play four numbers and we will back you, and they asked me to play positive cricket. I wanted to give my best and win for my team. It feels good. The wicket was very sticky. The ball was swinging, and it was seaming as well. It was tough for a batsman to play a fast bowler," Rizvi told the reporters after the match.

'Aiming for Consistency'

Rizvi also acknowledged his limited experience in the IPL so far and emphasised that the 2026 season has just begun, and plans to stay focused on upcoming matches and aims to deliver consistent performances going forward. "I have not played so many innings in IPL. This season has just started. I will try to focus on the next match and perform consistently," he added.

Match-Winning Knock and Team Record

Rizvi played an unbeaten knock of 70 runs off just 47 balls, which helped his side chase down a challenging target of 142 runs with six wickets and 17 balls to spare. Delhi Capitals have now secured five consecutive wins against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, making them the third team against whom DC has achieved such a streak. Previously, they had also won five consecutive matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2020 and 2023, and against Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2020. (ANI)

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