Uncapped batsman Sameer Rizvi lived a dream moment when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured him for a whopping Rs 8.4 crore during the IPL 2024 Player Auction. Speaking exclusively to JioCinema, Rizvi shared his excitement and journey, expressing his eagerness to meet his idol, MS Dhoni, and make the most of this golden opportunity.
The Unexpected Bid:
Rizvi expressed his surprise at the magnitude of CSK’s bid, stating, “I was hoping that I would be selected, but I didn’t expect such a huge bid.”
Nervous Moments:
Reflecting on the auction process, Rizvi admitted to feeling nervous as he observed several players going unsold before his turn. “Yes, I noticed that 4-5 players before me went unsold, so I was nervous at that time,” he revealed.
Opportunity to Play Under MS Dhoni:
Expressing his reverence for MS Dhoni, Rizvi said, “That’s a completely different feeling because he has always been my idol. I am very excited, yet nervous about the prospect of meeting him. I have never seen him in front of my eyes.”
Post-Trial Focus:
Rizvi discussed his journey since his trials for Mumbai Indians two years ago, highlighting his struggle with self-doubt. “When I appeared for the MI trials, I struggled with myself. I wouldn’t back myself,” he confessed. However, he emphasized his recent focus on self-improvement and regained confidence, stating, “So, in the last two years, I have focused on improving myself and have been giving myself the confidence to back myself and play to my strengths.”
Celebrations and Gratitude:
Describing the scenes at his home after the auction, Rizvi shared, “There’s been a crowd at home since morning. Everyone felt that my name would come. So once that happened, all my friends, and people in my society became very emotional. Some began dancing. So that was a different moment.” He also credited his maternal uncle, who is also his coach, for initiating his cricketing journey and continuing to support him.
Batting Preference:
When asked about his preferred batting position, Rizvi expressed a preference for the middle order, citing his success in that role during his U-16 days. “Number 4-5. In U-14 I was an opener. But in the U-16 my coach Tahir Abbas asked me to play in the middle order. That year I scored a lot of runs,” he explained.
Looking Ahead:
With this life-changing opportunity, Rizvi aims to make the most of his chance with CSK, displaying the same dedication and hard work that has brought him to this point in his career.
By embracing this new chapter with Chennai Super Kings, Sameer Rizvi is poised to take his cricketing journey to greater heights, with the hope of making a significant impact in IPL 2024.
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