"Dream come true," Sameer Rizvi reacts after being bought by MS Dhoni-led CSK in IPL 2024 auction

Meerut’s Sameer Rizvi was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping 8.4 crores in the IPL 2024 auction.

Uttar Pradesh batter Sameer Rizvi received a huge amount in the recently held IPL 2024 auction. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) splurged Rs 8.4 crore in the auction to acquire Rizvi’s services. This was after an intense bidding war for him against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals during the mini-auction.

Rizvi originally drew the attention of IPL talent scouts while playing for Kanpur Super Stars in the UP T20 League, he went on to score 455 runs in nine matches, including a century off 47 balls. Then, in the state under-23 competition, he hit 454 runs in seven matches.

Rizvi attributes his success to his uncle, who used to take him to the cricket academy and train him. The big moment arrived after a long period of struggle. Rizvi got calls from several franchises and attended trials for a couple of them.

“I am delighted that I would get to play under MS Dhoni,” says Sameer Rizvi

Sameer Rizvi’s stellar performance in UPT20 league earned him a spot with Chennai Super Kings. The fortunes of Rizvi (20) changed overnight much to the delight of his family, especially his uncle Tankeeb Akhtar, who is also his coach.

“I am delighted that I would get to play under MS Dhoni. He is my ideal. It is like a dream come true. This was unexpected. I was nervous as before my turn came, some players had gone unsold. I am happy that things went in my favor,” Rizvi told TOI after the auction.

“The recent Uttar Pradesh T-20 league helped me a lot. It gave m e a platform to showcase my talent for the Indian Premier League. Two years ago, I went to many franchises, camps and trials but I couldn’t fit in anywhere. Then I changed my game which worked for me,” Rizvi said.

Proud of his son’s success, Haseen is now hopeful of better treatment and a bright future.

“We were expecting Sameer to get picked by some team in the auction, but we never expected for this big moneyor CSK to bid for him,” he said.

Excited about his nephew’s success, Tankeeb Akhtar said, “When Sameer was 4-5 years old, I accompanied him for practice. I found that he was special, and I was sure he would be a good cricketer. I am The father-son duo’s perseverance a professional cricketer but for the last 15 years, I have been involved in sports and I also run a private cricket club. I am happy that his hard work has finally paid off.”

“Sameer is quite ambitious. He wants a good house, proper treatment of his father and many other things. I wish all his dreams come true,” he said.

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