Delhi Capitals' dramatic comeback victory over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 Match 5 was built on patience rather than panic, and Sameer Rizvi believes that calm thinking, not aggression, ultimately turned the match.
Walking in at No. 4 with Delhi Capitals reeling at 26/4 on a tricky Ekana surface, Rizvi delivered a match-winning unbeaten 70 that anchored a crucial 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs. But for the young batter, the innings was less about heroics and more about trusting the process laid out before the game.
"The coach had told me earlier that I would bat at number four and that they would back me. He asked me to play my natural game and stay positive," Rizvi said after the match.
That backing proved vital when Delhi lost early
wickets and found themselves under severe pressure inside the Powerplay.
"When I went in today, my intent was to play positively. But we lost wickets quickly and were four down around 24 to 26, so it became a tough situation. I spoke to Tristan Stubbs and we felt that we still had a lot of overs left, so we didn't need to rush. "
Reading the conditions before attacking
The Ekana surface offered assistance to fast bowlers early on, forcing batters to abandon instinctive strokeplay in favour of patience and awareness.
Rizvi admitted that adapting to conditions became the first priority rather than chasing the target aggressively.
"There was some swing and seam movement, and the bowlers were on top initially, so we decided to take some time, understand the wicket and build the innings. The plan was simple once we got set, we would capitalise on the loose balls and play our shots. "
The sticky nature of the pitch meant that timing - not power - dictated success in the early overs.
"The wicket was a bit sticky and there was movement for the fast bowlers, so it was not easy for batters early on. It was important to spend some time in the middle before playing freely. "
Rather than forcing boundaries, Rizvi and Stubbs waited for scoring opportunities to arrive naturally.
"We felt that the fast bowlers were getting more help from the surface, so if the spinners came on, we could look to score more. The idea was to take calculated risks if the ball was there, we would go for it, but without forcing anything. "
The boundary that changed momentum
In innings played under pressure, small moments often create turning points. For Rizvi, one such moment came after a quiet start.
"We didn't get many boundaries early on, and I had faced around 12-13 balls without one. Then I got a loose delivery, and I felt it was there to be put away. I managed to get a boundary off it, and that gave me a lot of confidence. "
That single release shot helped him settle into rhythm and rebuild the innings.
"As a batter, when you're a bit quiet for the first 10-12 balls, that one boundary really helps you settle. It was the same for me. After that, I could relax and just play my natural game. "
Comfort at No. 4 proving crucial
Batting at a familiar position also played a role in Rizvi's composure during the tense chase.
"It gives me a lot of confidence. Whenever I play for UP State or in the UP T20, I usually bat at No. 4, so I'm quite comfortable in that role. "
For Rizvi, the IPL remains an opportunity to grow rather than a stage to fear.
"Getting an opportunity to play in a tournament like this is really exciting for me. It gives me the freedom to play my game the way I want. When I'm batting in my usual position, I feel more settled and confident. "
Preparation and mental clarity, he believes, are central to handling high-pressure moments.
"I try to prepare myself mentally for these chances. I go in with the mindset of making the most of the opportunity and contributing to the team. "
Partnership with Stubbs built on clarity
The unbroken stand with Tristan Stubbs ultimately sealed the victory, but Rizvi credits their communication and situational awareness for the partnership's success.
"When we bat together, our approach is very simple we play according to the situation. "
Their flexibility allowed them to shift gears only when required.
"If the team needs quick runs, we look to be positive. If the situation is a bit tough, we take some time and build the innings. Having someone at the other end who understands the situation well always helps. "
Staying in the moment made the difference
Rather than calculating the finish line too early, Rizvi focused on taking the match deep.
"At that point, I wasn't thinking too far ahead because the situation was quite different. The focus was on taking the game deep and staying in the moment. "
That clarity made the innings particularly memorable for the youngster.
"Winning a full 20 over match like this feels very different compared to finishing a game in one over. Both situations are different, and I really enjoyed this innings because of the context. "
Building consistency the next big challenge
Despite the standout performance, Rizvi remains focused on consistency as his long-term goal in the IPL.
"I haven't played too many innings in the IPL so far, so consistency is something I want to work on. This was my first innings of the season, and I will look to build from here and perform consistently in the upcoming matches. "
He also credited the Delhi Capitals setup for providing clarity and support throughout the preparation phase.
"The support staff and coaches have been very helpful. We have had a lot of off season camps, and the focus has always been on improving our skills rather than putting pressure on performances. "
"They have encouraged me to focus on my batting, understand what works for me and keep improving those areas. That has helped me a lot. "
With composure under pressure and a match-defining knock already to his name, Rizvi's innings against Lucknow may well mark the beginning of a defining phase in his IPL journey.
