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The emerging cricketing talent Sameer Rizvi, an uncapped middle-order batter from Uttar Pradesh, made headlines in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction as he was snapped up for a whopping sum of Rs 8.40 crore by MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
In an action-packed IPL auction, CSK and Gujarat Titans (GT) found themselves locked in an intense bidding battle for Sameer, which escalated further when Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the fray. The bidding reached a critical point at 7.6 crore, where GT withdrew but DC upped the stakes. Ultimately, it was CSK who emerged victorious in this high-stakes auction showdown and acquired the services of Sameer.
After linking up with five-time champions CSK, Sameer shared his euphoria and thoughts exclusively with Sports Tak.
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Here are the excerpts from the interview with the young batting talent who tuned heads in the IPL 2024 auction:
How do you feel about joining the IPL? Were you expecting this?
"I'm thrilled to be playing in the IPL. I hoped to join the Chennai Super Kings, but I never imagined such a high bid for me."
As an uncapped player, how significant is this opportunity?
"It's a huge opportunity for all uncapped players selected. It's a golden chance for young and uncapped players."
How has your cricket journey been so far?
"I was very nervous before the auction, especially seeing players go unsold. But once the auction started, I stopped paying attention. Later, learning about my price brought me immense joy."
Who do you consider your idol?
"Since childhood, I've followed Sachin Tendulkar and consider him my idol. I've learned a lot from watching Sachin Sir. His excellence in cricket and his character set him apart, making him very special to me."
What's the atmosphere like at home?
"There's immense joy at home. Songs are playing, drums are beating, and everyone is dancing. Every family member is celebrating my achievement."
How did you feel seeing the bid of 8 crores and 40 lakhs on TV?
"I was very nervous during my bidding and went inside. I was alone in my room when it happened. Hearing the price, I cried, but those were tears of happiness."
What would you like to say about Chennai and Dhoni?
"It was my dream to play for Chennai Super Kings and share the dressing room with Dhoni. So, my dream has come true."
Do you see this as a stepping stone to Team India?
"Yes, for me, the IPL is a pathway to Team India. I want to prove myself, work hard, and eventually play for the national team. Playing for Team India is a dream for everyone, and it's my dream too."
Sameer rose to fame during the recent UP T20 League, where he dazzled with the bat for Kanpur Superstars. He amassed 455 runs in just nine innings, including two centuries. The 20-year-old further showcased his power-hitting skills in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to clear the boundary was evident as he struck 18 sixes, averaging a six every 11 balls faced. Notably, in his T20 career so far, Rizvi has played 11 matches and has an impressive tally of 295 runs, boasting an average of 49.16.
Not just this, but his prowess with the bat was also on display in the Men’s Under-23 State A tournament. He notched up two fifties and two centuries, including a rapid 50-ball 84 in the final, steering Uttar Pradesh to victory. Notably, he hit the most sixes in the tournament, a total of 37.
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