Sameer Rizvi credits practice after stellar 90

Delhi Capitals (DC) batter Sameer Rizvi credited his intense self-improvement for his match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Rizvi’s scintillating 90 off 51 balls powered DC to a six-wicket win over MI on Saturday. His innings featured seven fours and seven sixes as Delhi chased down a target of 163 comfortably. The victory marked DC’s second win over MI in their last seven IPL encounters. It was also only their second win in six matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since 2025, with the other coming in a Super Over against Rajasthan Royals.Named Player of the Match, Rizvi reflected on the effort he has put in over the past year to refine his game.“I have worked very hard on myself. Since last year, there have been many changes. I identified my weaknesses, especially against fast bowlers, and worked on them throughout the year. The hard work is paying off now,” Rizvi said.He also highlighted the importance of adapting to match situations. “I always try to play according to the situation. At the start, our situation required patience, so I took my time. Once I got settled, I played my shots and focused on watching the ball till the very end,” he added.Speaking about handling different match scenarios, Rizvi emphasized the value of settling in at the crease. “Whenever I come in under pressure, I try to give myself time. Once you are set, you understand the situation better and batting becomes easier,” he explained.The youngster also acknowledged the significance of performing in the IPL. “Yes, this is a very important time for any player because if you score runs and bat well here, you gain confidence. You also get opportunities to move ahead, to play more, and to get chances on bigger platforms. So sir, it is a very good thing for us youngsters,” he said.

Debut in IPL 2024

Rizvi first grabbed attention in IPL 2024 when he smashed a six off his very first ball against Rashid Khan while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a modest start to his IPL career, he has now found his rhythm with Delhi Capitals, registering three consecutive half-centuries.In his first eight IPL innings, Rizvi managed just 114 runs at an average of 16.3. However, in his last three matches, the right-hander has turned things around dramatically, amassing 218 runs, including three fifties. Rizvi’s knock was historic in multiple ways. His 90 is the second-highest score by an Impact Player in IPL history, behind Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107 against KKR in 2024.It is also the third-highest individual score by a DC batter against MI, after Virender Sehwag’s 95* in 2013 and Jason Roy’s 91* in 2018. Additionally, his seven sixes are the joint-most by a DC batter against MI, equalling the records of Rishabh Pant (2019) and Tristan Stubbs (2024).With 160 runs in just two innings this season, Rizvi now holds the Orange Cap, underlining his explosive start to IPL 2026.

Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah says delivering in the toughest moments is what gives him the greatest joy on a cricket field, after playing a decisive role in India’s historic triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah reflected on the mindset that has driven his journey through the ranks — embracing the toughest challenges and stepping up when the team needs him most.“I always wanted to do a tough job. I’ve played cricket for that. I started cricket for that. When I’m able to make a difference, that gives me so much joy. No better feeling than that,” Bumrah said.

The right-arm quick produced a match-winning spell in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, claiming four wickets to dismantle the opposition and earn the Player of the Match award as India cruised to a dominant 96-run victory.With the win, India scripted history by becoming the first side to win three T20 World Cup titles, the first to defend the trophy successfully, and the first to lift the crown on home soil.For Bumrah, the moment carried deeper emotional significance. The venue also reminded him of the heartbreak of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India fell just short of the title.“The last time we just fell short, this time we went over it. Really happy,” he said.The 32-year-old also revealed how the presence of his family made the moment even more special.“My son came. He was there last time as well; this time, he was there. My mum came — really special. I don’t know about full circles, but really, really happy.”Bumrah finished the tournament as joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps alongside mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.“Back-to-back World Cups never really happen. Really grateful, God is really kind, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” Bumrah added.

India’s Varun Chakravarthy (AP Photo)

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has backed Varun Chakravarthy as India’s most dangerous weapon at the moment, even suggesting that the mystery spinner is proving more lethal than Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Srikkanth also expressed surprise that Varun is not receiving the recognition he deserves.Varun has been in exceptional form, claiming nine wickets in four matches at an average of 6.88 and an economy rate of 5.16. In India’s game against the Netherlands, he returned outstanding figures of three for 14 from three overs.

Interestingly, in the 21 matches where Varun and Bumrah have featured together, the spinner leads the wicket tally 30-22. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said that batters are still unable to decipher Varun’s variations.“Look at the pitch maps — most of his deliveries are around off-stump and middle-stump. Against right-handers, the ball just angles in slightly and then turns. His googly comes in sharply. Most of his wickets are from good length or just short of good length. Not even full deliveries. Even his so-called short balls are deceptive.”“People don’t know what he’s bowling. Is it a googly? Is it the straight one? Is it slower? Is it quicker? No one knows. Suddenly he bowls one faster. Then he changes speed again. Multiple speeds. Long run-up, relaxed action — but incredibly deceptive.”“Frankly speaking, he doesn’t get enough credit. Bumrah is fantastic. You won’t easily find a bowler like Bumrah,” said Srikkanth.Although Shivam Dube was named Player of the Match against the Netherlands, Srikkanth felt Varun was equally deserving.“Today, yes, Shivam Dube played a blinder and deserved Man of the Match. I’m not denying that. But if you look at Varun’s figures — three wickets for very few runs, all top-order wickets — why wasn’t he even considered a contender for Man of the Match? No one even thought about it,” he said.Since making a comeback after an underwhelming start to his international career, Varun has taken 47 wickets in 27 matches across 2024 and 2025. In 2026 alone, he already has 13 wickets from seven games. Srikkanth believes that if India lift the trophy, Varun could well be Player of the Tournament.“Hundred percent (he can be the Player Of The Tournament). Because of consistency. In every match he plays, even on a bad day, he gives away only 34 or 35 runs. For a spinner, four overs for 36 runs is absolutely acceptable in T20 cricket. But within that, he still takes one or two wickets.”“He’s casually delivering match-winning performances. But he’s not celebrated enough,” said Srikkanth.The former chief selector went a step further, calling Varun a modern-day great in the format and comparing his current impact to what Bumrah delivered in T20Is a few years ago.“Varun, you are a modern-day great. I’m telling you honestly from my heart — not because you’re Tamil, not because you’re from Tamil Nadu or Chennai. No. Purely because of ability. Every batter is struggling. They don’t know how to face him. They don’t know whether to defend. They don’t know whether to attack. They don’t know what to do against him.”“That’s exactly what Bumrah used to be a couple of years ago. Bumrah is still doing brilliantly,” said Srikkanth.Varun will next feature in India’s Super 8 encounter against South Africa on Sunday, February 22.