Double centurion Ayush Badoni’s Langer-like grit keeps Delhi in Ranji quarters hunt | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Delhi’s captain, Ayush Badoni, achieved a remarkable feat in the Ranji Trophy match against Jharkhand by scoring his first double century. This innings was crucial for Delhi as it earned them three points and kept their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
Delhi currently hold the third position in Group D with 14 points from five matches. To secure a quarter-final spot, they need to win their remaining two matches against Saurashtra and Railways in January.
Badoni, known for his potential since his junior cricket days, has shown glimpses of his talent in the IPL. However, he has struggled to convert those glimpses into substantial scores in recent times.
Working with Justin Langer, the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants and former Australian cricketer, at the WACA in 2023 seems to have had a positive impact on Badoni.
“Justin Langer also taught me a lot about aggression. How to control aggression and when to display. It helped me a lot. He changed certain things in my grip,” Badoni told reporters.
During his time at the WACA, Badoni might have picked up Langer’s aggressive batting approach, which was evident in his unbeaten knock of 205 runs against Jharkhand.
Badoni’s innings, studded with 16 fours and 10 sixes, almost single-handedly propelled Delhi past Jharkhand’s first-innings total of 382.
Reaching 199, Badoni smashed Jharkhand’s left-arm spinner, Anukul Roy, for a six to bring up his double century and secure a first-innings lead for his team.
The moment called for a celebration, and Badoni marked it with a fist pump, a roar of triumph, and a handshake to signal the end of the day’s play.
Sumit Mathur provided valuable support to Badoni during their 150-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Mathur’s contribution of 43 runs eased the pressure on Delhi, who were struggling at 327 for 7, still needing 56 runs to take the lead.
Shivam Sharma, another senior player, also played a crucial role with an unbeaten knock of 33 runs, providing solid support to his captain.
Badoni acknowledged the positive influence of his stint at the WACA, where the different playing conditions provided him with valuable exposure.
“Yes, the wickets there were different from what we get over here. The wickets were very bouncy. It was a good exposure,” he said.
Badoni, who had previously been asked to bat lower down the order, decided to return to his preferred No. 4 position, where he had scored his two previous first-class hundreds.
“Yes, I have two hundreds at that number. So, I wanted to bat at No. 4. I will try to bat at number 4 for Delhi during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”
Badoni admitted that being retained by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL has given him a sense of security and allowed him to play with more freedom.
“Yes, I wanted to stay in LSG for 3 years. So, when I was retained, my mind was cleared off the auction thing,” Badoni said.
Apart from his batting heroics, Badoni has also been Delhi’s leading wicket-taker this season with his off-spin bowling. He credits coach Sarandeep Singh for providing him with valuable technical advice.
“After last IPL, I thought about developing myself as an all-rounder. I bowled in DPL too. Sarandeep sir also said that bowling will be an addition, an asset. He told me a few things related to thumb positioning,” he added.
The match between Jharkhand and Delhi ended in a draw, with Delhi taking three points and Jharkhand earning one point.
Brief Scores:
Jharkhand: 382
Delhi (1st Innings): 388/7 (Ayush Badoni 205 not out, Anuj Rawat 52)
Match Drawn: Points: Delhi 3, Jharkhand 1.