Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known to produce some outstanding talents. There is an endless list of players who have gotten recognition after performing in the biggest T20 tournament across the globe. Delhi's Ayush Badoni is one such name that has rocked the IPL 2022 with his two back-to-back performances in the season so far. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, Badoni has already notched up a half-century in two games.
He also became the first player to register a 50+ score on his IPL debut while batting at No.6 for his team. Badoni played a crucial knock of 54 runs to propel LSG to a respectable total against Gujarat Titans in their opening game of the season. Although Lucknow lost the game, Badoni's innings earned a lot of praise from all around the corner.
Shortly after producing a gem of an innings in his first game, the 22-year-old once again stole the show with his 19* off 9 balls against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings. With 40 runs required off 16 balls, Badoni walked out in the middle. He knocked a few balls here and there to aggregate five runs of his first four balls. On the fifth delivery of his innings, Badoni hit a huge six by shuffling across the crease. In the last over as well, he hit a monstrous six to level the scores and then hit the winning runs for his team.
While his innings against Gujarat was a reflection of what maturity Badoni holds inside him, his cameo against CSK showed his explosive side. With these two innings, he has impressed everyone. But Badoni has no one else to thank other than his Gautam Bhaiya, who he calls his mentor. In an interview with the Times of India, Badoni revealed how the ex-cricketer from Delhi imparted confidence in him and backed him to do well in the IPL. The 22-year-old cricketer said he is thankful to GG for giving him an opportunity.
"Gautam bhaiya has played a huge role in my career so far. He has trusted my abilities, showed faith in me, and picked me for the team. Gautam bhaiya picked me in the IPL team. He was there when I attended the Lucknow camp and observed my batting. He liked the way I batted. He gave me a bat and also asked me to play the opening match. I am really thankful to him for giving me an opportunity and backing me," said an overwhelmed Badoni to TOI.