Rizvi's 70* rescues DC after 26/4 collapse, credits partnership with Stubbs

Walking in at No. 4 with DC struggling on a surface offering seam and swing, Rizvi revealed that the team management had already laid the groundwork for his role.

"The coach had told me earlier that I would bat at number four and that they would back me. He asked me to play my natural game and stay positive. When I went in today, my intent was to play positively. But we lost wickets quickly and were four down around 24 to 26, so it became a tough situation. I spoke to Tristan Stubbs and we felt that we still had a lot of overs left, so we didn't need to rush.

"There was some swing and seam movement, and the bowlers were on top initially, so we decided to take some time, understand the wicket and build the innings. The plan was simple. Once we got set, we would capitalise on the loose balls and play our shots," Rizvi told reporters after the game.

The conditions at the Ekana Stadium demanded restraint early on, something Rizvi and Stubbs assessed quickly as LSG's pace-heavy attack exploited the surface.

"The wicket was a bit sticky and there was movement for the fast bowlers, so it was not easy for batters early on. It was important to spend some time in the middle before playing freely. We felt that the fast bowlers were getting more help from the surface, so if the spinners came on, we could look to score more. The idea was to take calculated risks if the ball was there, we would go for it, but without forcing anything," he said.

Rizvi's start reflected those challenges. At one stage, he crawled to 5 off 13 balls, struggling to find boundaries as DC's chase threatened to drift. But a single release shot changed the tempo, not just of his innings, but the match.

"We didn't get many boundaries early on, and I had faced around 12-13 balls without one. Then I got a loose delivery, and I felt it was there to be put away. I managed to get a boundary off it, and that gave me a lot of confidence. As a batter, when you're a bit quiet for the first 10-12 balls, that one boundary really helps you settle. It was the same for me. After that, I could relax and just play my natural game," he noted.

That shift was evident as he began targeting the spinners, particularly Shahbaz Ahmed and Aiden Markram, turning the momentum in DC's favour. His familiarity with the No. 4 role also played a key part in how he absorbed pressure and rebuilt the innings.

"It gives me a lot of confidence. Whenever I play for UP State or in the UP T20, I usually bat at No. 4, so I'm quite comfortable in that role. Getting an opportunity to play in a tournament like this is really exciting for me. It gives me the freedom to play my game the way I want. When I'm batting in my usual position, I feel more settled and confident. I try to prepare myself mentally for these chances. I go in with the mindset of making the most of the opportunity and contributing to the team," the all-rounder mentioned.

Alongside Tristan Stubbs, Rizvi stitched together a decisive 119-run partnership that took the game away from LSG, blending caution with timely aggression.

Speaking of their partnership, Rizvi stated, "When we bat together, our approach is very simple we play according to the situation. If the team needs quick runs, we look to be positive. If the situation is a bit tough, we take some time and build the innings. Having someone at the other end who understands the situation well always helps."

Despite finishing unbeaten and steering the chase with composure, Rizvi emphasised his focus remained firmly on the immediate task rather than the finish line.

"At that point, I wasn't thinking too far ahead because the situation was quite different. The focus was on taking the game deep and staying in the moment. Winning a full 20 over match like this feels very different compared to finishing a game in one over. Both situations are different, and I really enjoyed this innings because of the context," he said.

Having made a strong statement in his first outing of the season, the young batter is now setting his sights on consistency in the tournament ahead. "I haven't played too many innings in the IPL so far, so consistency is something I want to work on. This was my first innings of the season, and I will look to build from here and perform consistently in the upcoming matches."

Rizvi also credited the Delhi Capitals' support system for helping him prepare for moments like these, highlighting a process-driven environment over performance pressure.

"The support staff and coaches have been very helpful. We have had a lot of off season camps, and the focus has always been on improving our skills rather than putting pressure on performances. They have encouraged me to focus on my batting, understand what works for me and keep improving those areas. That has helped me a lot," he concluded.

Rizvi's unbeaten 70 in DC's six-wicket win over LSG was much more than just a match-winning effort. It was an innings shaped by patience, clarity, and an acute reading of conditions after an early collapse in a tricky chase of 142.

- IANS