Meerut: Samir Rizvia 20-year-old batsman from Meerut In Uttar Pradesh, he etched his name in the record books as the most expensive uncapped player in the 2024 IPL auction, bagging a Rs 8.4-crore deal with Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
Hailing from the Lalkarti area of Meerut, Rizvi’s meteoric rise comes after his impressive performance in the recent UP T20 League, where he hit 455 runs in just nine innings, including two centuries, throughout the season. Kanpur Super Stars.
Despite his late start to formal education – he recently finished 10th after turning 20 – Rizvi captained UP in the men’s under-23 state championship, leading the team to victory over Uttarakhand in the final.
He was just 17 when he gained international fame, earning a place in the Under-19 squad in 2018 and then representing India in England the following year.
Tankeeb Akhtar“He is living my dream. I knew he was a big batsman, and he showed promise since he was six. In 15 years, we have not taken even 15 days off. It is very hard work that has brought him here,” said Rizvi’s uncle and coach. Rizvi’s journey began in 2018 when he was selected for the U-19 national team, and since then he has not looked back.
Samir’s father, Hussein RizviHe is a real estate dealer, and his mother, Roxana RizviShe is a housewife, and the joy in all family members was evident. Expressing his pride, Rizvi said: “I am speechless. What else could a father ask for? I am the happiest man on the planet. I used to beat him because he did not study, and even scolded my brother-in-law Tankip for distracting him.” He abandoned his studies. He had only now managed to finish his 10th grade exams, but that no longer mattered. All credit goes to Tankip. Hota wohi hai jo manzoor-e-Khuda hota hai (God’s will prevails in the end)).”
At home, amid family rejoicing, Rizvi thought about his journey. Speaking to TOI, he said, “It is really a great moment for me after all the hard work I have put in over the past 15 years. I owe it to my mother and my family. The IPL is definitely a golden opportunity to prove myself, but my dream is to play for my country.”