Two games, two terrific knocks, and everyone have his name on their lips. The 22-year-old lad, Ayush Badoni has come across as a surprise package for IPL fans. In their debut game against Gujarat Titans, LSG might not have earned two points but they surely found a finisher. Badoni produced brilliant innings under duress, scoring 54 runs off 41 deliveries at an amazing strike rate of 131.7, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, to help take LSG to a fighting total of 158/6 from their 20 overs. Meanwhile, in the second game, chasing a target of 211 against CSK, he played a crucial cameo of 19 runs off 9 balls at a magnificent strike rate of 211.11 with two 6s.
Who is Ayush Badoni?
This is the debut season for Badoni. He has been a part of India’s under-19 squad before he started playing domestic cricket for Delhi. (Alprazolam) He made headlines in 2018 when he smashed 52 runs off just 28 deliveries in India’s U19 Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka. The crucial knock came in the tournament final. Propelling India to a tough total of 304/3 from 50 overs, which was more than enough as the Boys in Blue went on to win by 144 runs. Despite this, the teenager was left out of India’s roster for the ICC U19 World Cup 2020, which was held in South Africa.
However, the gem always shines and so did Badoni when Lucknow SuperGiants gave him the opportunity. LSG has signed him for INR 20 lakh as his base price. The teenager is inexperienced, having only played five T20s for Delhi since making his debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021. The talented all-rounder can also bowl off-breaks. Lucknow’s mentor Gautam Gambhir has immense faith in the young lad.
“Gautam Bhaiya has backed me a lot and he just advised me one thing, to play my natural game and play the ball, not the bowler,” Ayush said. “So that gave me a lot of confidence. He asked me to play my natural game while saying that the senior players would see the (match) situation, and because of which, I could play freely,” he added.
IPL has seen many young talents over the years doing well including Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi, Pandya Brothers, Bumrah, and others. It will not be surprising if Ayush goes on to make a successful career and represent India as a finisher in the coming years.