Before the current IPL season, Sameer Rizvi was a promising talent yet to make his mark on the international stage, having not played for India at the senior level. Expectations were moderate, as he was still finding his footing in the competitive landscape of Indian cricket.

However, a decisive moment came when Rizvi scored an impressive 90 runs off 51 balls against the Mumbai Indians. This performance not only showcased his batting prowess but also marked a turning point in his career, as he has now scored a total of 160 runs in just two matches this season.

The immediate effects of this performance were significant for both Rizvi and the Delhi Capitals. His innings included seven sixes and seven fours, leading the Capitals to a six-wicket victory over MI, successfully chasing down a target of 162 runs with 11 balls to spare.

Rizvi’s recent form has also earned him three consecutive Player of the Match awards, a testament to his consistent performances. In contrast, the Mumbai Indians, despite having players like Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma contributing 51 and 35 runs respectively, fell short in their efforts.

“I’ve worked on my weaknesses – I wasn’t as good against fast bowlers,” Rizvi remarked, highlighting his dedication to improvement. His approach to the game has shifted as well, stating, “Basically, I was trying not to think so much about cricket and my batting.” This mindset appears to be paying off.

Expert voices in the cricket community have begun to draw comparisons between Rizvi and established players like Suresh Raina, suggesting that if he continues to score runs, he could soon find himself in contention for national selection.

As Rizvi continues to perform at this level, the expectations surrounding him are likely to grow. His ability to score runs under pressure could open up opportunities for him and other young players in the league.

In the context of the IPL, where performance can lead to significant career advancements, Rizvi’s current trajectory is one to watch closely. The Delhi Capitals have now won two out of two matches in IPL 2026, largely thanks to his contributions.

While the excitement builds around Rizvi, details remain unconfirmed about his potential selection for the national team. However, his recent performances suggest that he is on the right path.

The post Sameer Rizvi Shines with 90 Runs Against Mumbai Indians appeared first on cottenhamnews.

On March 30, 2026, Brijesh Sharma made his much-anticipated IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals against the Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. This match marked a significant milestone in Sharma’s cricketing journey, showcasing the talent emerging from Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharma, a 27-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for his base price of Rs 30 lakhs during the IPL 2026 auction. His selection came on the back of impressive performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he finished joint-fifth among the top wicket-takers with 11 wickets in just 7 matches.

Prior to his IPL debut, Sharma represented Jammu and Kashmir at the Under-19 and Under-25 levels. His journey into professional cricket was not without challenges; he initially faced financial constraints as his father worked as a labourer. To pursue better training opportunities, Sharma moved to Bengal, where he trained under coach Deepak Punia at Unique Sports Club in Delhi.

In the match against Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first, providing Sharma with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger stage. His rise to prominence adds to the growing list of cricketers emerging from Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has been increasingly recognized for producing talented players.

Reflecting on his journey, Sharma stated, “My journey has had its ups and downs. I learnt a great deal about discipline and things I needed to bring to play cricket at a higher level.” He also credited his father’s hard work and the support of his friends, saying, “My father’s hard work has paid off; my friends supported me financially and emotionally. They believed in me more than I did.”

As of now, Sharma’s IPL debut is a testament to his perseverance and the opportunities that exist within Indian cricket for players from smaller leagues. His performances in the IPL will be closely watched as he aims to establish himself further in the competitive landscape of professional cricket.

The post Brijesh Sharma Makes IPL Debut for Rajasthan Royals appeared first on cottenhamnews.