Image Source : Getty
Young cricket talent Sameer Rizvi has been making waves in the cricketing world, thanks in no small part to the guidance and support he has received from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Having risen through the ranks to secure a spot in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rizvi recently opened up about how MS Dhoni has been a pivotal figure in his growth as a player.
Rizvi’s admiration for Dhoni is no secret. He frequently refers to him as “Bhaiya” (brother) and has praised his mentor for fostering a team environment that values openness and personal growth. Rizvi shared, “MS Dhoni bhaiya is very supportive and he’s always there for you. His room is always open, you can go and talk to him whenever you want to. If you have any problems, then go talk to him.” This kind of personal mentorship has become synonymous with Dhoni’s leadership style, which focuses on empowering younger players to express themselves freely.
Rizvi, who hails from Meerut, has had quite a journey leading up to his debut in the IPL. He was picked up by CSK during the 2024 IPL auction for a significant amount, and his excitement wasn’t just about playing cricket at the highest level, but also about finally meeting his cricketing idol, MS Dhoni. Rizvi has consistently expressed how fortunate he feels to learn from one of the greatest captains in cricket history.
His debut in the IPL was nothing short of impressive. In his first match against the Gujarat Titans, Rizvi played a brief but impactful six-ball knock, scoring 14 runs, including two sixes off one of the world’s top bowlers, Rashid Khan. This performance highlighted his potential and the trust placed in him by his team, but it was Dhoni’s advice that Rizvi credits for his success. Dhoni told him to “play your natural game” and “never take any pressure or be nervous.”
Having Dhoni’s support has allowed Rizvi to focus on improving his gameplay without being weighed down by the pressure that often comes with high-level competition. Rizvi also touched upon the familial atmosphere within the CSK camp, mentioning how the team members encourage and cheer for each other. “Everyone loves each other in the team and backs everyone,” he said. This camaraderie, along with Dhoni’s guidance, has created a nurturing environment where players like Rizvi can flourish.
Rizvi also took a moment to reflect on the significance of his jersey number. He originally wanted to wear the number 7, a number closely associated with Dhoni. However, recognizing that this number belongs to his mentor, Rizvi opted for the number 1 instead, symbolizing his desire to carve out his own path while being inspired by Dhoni.
It’s not just in the on-field tactics where Dhoni has been influential for Rizvi. The mentorship goes beyond that, as Dhoni’s open-door policy has provided Rizvi with the opportunity to seek advice on various aspects of cricket and life. The opportunity to ask questions and learn from a cricketing legend like Dhoni is something Rizvi values immensely, and it’s clear that this mentorship is helping to shape him not only as a cricketer but also as a person.
With impressive domestic numbers to his name, including a strike rate of over 137 in T20s, Rizvi’s potential was already evident. However, it’s his time at CSK under Dhoni’s leadership that is expected to take his game to the next level. The confidence he gained from performing well in his debut match and his ongoing learning under Dhoni’s watchful eyes make him one of the players to watch out for in the coming seasons.
Rizvi’s journey is just beginning, but with the support of a seasoned captain like Dhoni and a welcoming team environment at CSK, he seems poised for a bright future in cricket. His words of admiration for Dhoni are a testament to how impactful leadership can shape the mindset of young players, giving them the confidence to perform at their best when it matters most.