It has been a transformative season for Ayush Badoni, the 24-year-old cricketer from Delhi, who is making headlines with his remarkable performances for the South Delhi Superstarz in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL) T20. Badoni, who has built a reputation as a reliable middle-order batsman for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, has taken on a new role at number three in the inaugural DPL. His exceptional batting at a phenomenal strike rate of 226 has been a key factor in propelling his team to the second position on the points table and securing a spot in the playoffs.
In an exclusive interview with India TV, Badoni discussed his preference for batting higher up the order, a role he has embraced with enthusiasm. “Yeah, I like to bat at 3 and 4 because I get to play during the powerplay. It’s a lot of fun to bat when only two fielders are outside the circle,” Badoni shared.
Despite his preference, Badoni remains adaptable and understands the need for flexibility, particularly in the IPL where senior players generally occupy the top-order positions. “In the IPL, senior players usually take on that role. But I am flexible and willing to bat wherever the team needs me. My main goal is to perform well for the team,” he added. His adaptability has been showcased in the IPL 2024 season, where he has struck two fifties, rescuing his team from precarious situations of 66/4 and 77/5.
Badoni’s aggressive style has been a hallmark of his season in the DPL 2024. He has amassed an impressive 515 runs at a strike rate of 226, including a stunning knock of 165 runs off just 55 balls against the North Delhi Strikers, featuring a remarkable 19 sixes. “It is a great feeling to have the season I have had. I approached the DPL as a mini-IPL and aimed to play aggressively. My goal was to lead my team to victory as a captain while maintaining a high strike rate. Fortunately, I have been able to execute my plans so far,” Badoni explained.
This tournament has also marked a significant chapter in Badoni’s career as a captain. He has not only excelled with the bat but has also demonstrated strong leadership on the field.
. “My main aim was to lead the South Delhi Superstarz to the title. With a team full of youngsters, I took on the responsibility of guiding them, and thankfully, I have been able to do that. I am enjoying the captaincy a lot. I like taking responsibility and enjoy batting under pressure. We are currently at No. 2, and hopefully, we can lift the trophy,” he said. While Badoni did not mention having any particular idol for captaincy, he expressed admiration for AB de Villiers as a batter.
Reflecting on his leadership, Badoni observed that captaincy has brought him luck and success. “Whenever I have been a captain, my performance and the team’s performance have been excellent. You can say captaincy is lucky for me,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Badoni is also preparing for the upcoming red-ball season. While his immediate focus is on winning the DPL T20 trophy for the South Delhi Superstarz, he is aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including the Ranji Trophy and other red-ball tournaments. He noted that he has a month to prepare for these events after the DPL. When asked about his future in the IPL, especially with uncertainties surrounding his place in the Lucknow Super Giants, Badoni emphasized his current focus. “I am staying in the present. Right now, my focus is on winning the trophy for my South Delhi Superstarz team. I’m not thinking about the IPL auction at the moment,” he concluded.
With 12 points to their name, the South Delhi Superstarz have positioned themselves well, but the table-toppers, East Delhi Riders, could be the biggest obstacle on their path to winning the inaugural DPL T20 trophy. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Ayush Badoni, both for his explosive batting and his leadership on the field.
