Sameer Rizvi creates ‘real impact’ for Delhi Capitals, nullifies Shami, Mohsin Khan & Prince Yadav’s masterclass

“I don’t like this rule.” That’s what Axar Patel said when asked about the impact player rule in the lead-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. These thoughts were echoed by Shubman Gill. A couple of days later, the same rule won Delhi Capitals (DC) their opening match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

After a masterful display by Lungi Ngidi, Axar, T Natarajan, and Kuldeep Yadav, Delhi needed to chase just 142. Yes, the surface wasn’t easy, with both fast bowlers and spinners getting assistance from the surface. It should’ve ideally been a walk in the park. KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Axar, and Tristan Stubbs are all Test cricketers; they can handle the music.

However, LSG fast bowlers had other things in mind. Mohammed Shami, who was making his LSG debut, sent Rahul packing on the first ball of the match. Granted it wasn’t the best of deliveries, but it swung away from Rahul. LSG had the started they wanted.

Shami erred from the right line, and even Prince Yadav missed. But, more often than not, they were top notch. Shami had Nitish Rana on the ropes but the batter survived. In the fourth over, Rishabh Pant handed the ball to Mohsin Khan, who was bowling for the first time in over 15 months.

The left-arm pacer had immediate impact. He got Nitish caught in the first slip. The pitch had help, he got movement and bounce. A wicket maiden to return to competitive cricket. Prince was brought from the other end. The fast bowler Delhi was getting the ball to move.

Prince took the ball away from Pathum Nissanka, who was etching to score. He went for the short-arm jab and skied it. LSG were on top, 25/3 in 4.3 overs. But Prince wasn’t done. He bowled a perfect but, bowling the same ball, but it came into the left-handed batter in Axar.

It hit the pad and crashed into the middle stump. 30/4 in just 5 overs. Pant remained on the aggressive and continued with Moshin. Even after the powerplay, he persisted with Shami and bowled him out in the 9th over. Delhi knew the help would die down and that’s what happened.

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