IPL 2026: Scored 160 runs in the first two innings, 49 runs in the subsequent five; this Delhi batsman is struggling.

The Delhi Capitals got off to a spectacular start in IPL 2026. The team defeated the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their first match of the season and the Mumbai Indians in their second. The hero behind Delhi’s victories in both these matches was a young, uncapped player. However, this player’s bat has remained silent across five innings in the subsequent six matches. Consequently, Delhi has suffered defeat in five of these games.

Rizvi: The Hero of Delhi’s Early Victories

The hero behind the Delhi Capitals’ victories in the first two matches of the season was the 22-year-old right-handed explosive batsman, Sameer Rizvi. In both matches, Sameer steered the team to victory by rescuing them from precarious situations. Against LSG—when Delhi was in deep trouble having lost four wickets for just 26 runs—Rizvi guided them to victory by scoring an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls. Subsequently, against Mumbai, Sameer once again secured a win for Delhi by smashing 90 runs off 51 balls.

These match-winning innings from Rizvi’s bat in two consecutive games not only delivered victories for Delhi but also significantly boosted the team’s confidence. Rizvi began to be hailed as the team’s “crisis man.” However, since those two matches, Rizvi has failed to make an impact in five consecutive innings. Delhi has had to pay a heavy price for this slump, suffering defeat in five out of the last six matches. While Rizvi scored 160 runs in his first two innings, he has managed to score a mere 49 runs in the five innings that followed. Rizvi’s lack of form has left Delhi’s middle order looking vulnerable.

Rizvi’s Return to Form is Crucial

The tournament is now gradually approaching a decisive juncture. Delhi currently sits in seventh place on the points table with six points, having secured three wins from eight matches. If Delhi hopes to win at least five of their remaining six matches and keep their playoff hopes alive, it is imperative that Rizvi starts scoring runs again. It remains to be seen whether Rizvi’s bat will fire in the upcoming clash against Rajasthan on Friday.