Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have unearthed a promising talent in Sameer Rizvi, and the reaction from none other than MS Dhoni himself spoke volumes. The five-time IPL champions secured the highly-rated batsman at the recent auction for a hefty sum of INR 8.4 crores, outbidding competitors like Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals in the process.

Traditionally conservative with their spending on uncapped players, CSK made a notable exception for Sameer Rizvi, impressed by his performances in domestic cricket. While he is yet to make his international debut, fans have wasted no time in drawing comparisons to Suresh Raina, a revered batsman from Uttar Pradesh. Indeed, Rizvi has earned the moniker of the “right-handed Raina” among enthusiasts.

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Making his IPL debut in the recent clash between CSK and RCB, Rizvi didn’t get a chance to showcase his batting prowess. However, the opportunity arrived in the subsequent game against Gujarat Titans, and he seized it with aplomb.

  

Facing the formidable Rashid Khan, arguably one of the best T20 spinners globally, Rizvi announced himself with a resounding six off the very first ball he faced in the IPL. Undeterred, he followed it up with another maximum just two deliveries later, displaying remarkable confidence and skill.

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Cameras capturing the action immediately turned to the CSK dugout, where MS Dhoni sported a rare smile, clearly impressed by Rizvi’s audacious strokeplay. While Dhoni is renowned for his stoic demeanour on the field, the young batsman’s fearless display elicited a genuine reaction from the seasoned campaigner.

In the ongoing game, CSK posted a commanding total of 206 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Gujarat Titans, in response, were at 29 for 1 in the fourth over at the time of reporting, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.