Lucknow, India

Ayush Badoni was the reason Lucknow Super Giants didn’t get out inside 20 overs against Delhi Capitals; Badoni was the reason they played till 20 overs and put up a fighting total of 167/7 despite being reduced to 94 for seven at one stage. The right-handed batter found form at the right time in IPL 2024, smashing a quickfire fifty. 

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Speaking on his improved game, Badoni revealed the backing he got from Captain KL Rahul and head coach Justin Langer helped him get back on track following a jittery start this season. Against DC, where, coming in at number eight, Badoni slammed 55 off 35 balls, including one six and five fours.

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“The start of the season was not good but I was doing well at the nets. So, I am thankful to KL Rahul and Justin Langer for backing me, and giving me a chance,” Badoni said during a post-game media interaction.

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Explaining his approach during the time his team struggled to put up runs on the board, the right-hander said, 

“While I was batting, I was just thinking of taking the game deep, and then attack because if we bat till 20 overs, we can score 150 plus. I think we were 20 runs short. I was quite motivated because I was batting well at the nets so I was just backing myself, I was just waiting for the knock which came today,” he added.

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‘Training in Australia helped me’

Badoni revealed he travelled to Australia in September last year and trained with Langer to work on his game; a reflection of which was seen in Friday’s match against Delhi. 

Besides, he also thanked captain KL Rahul for backing him every time, showering praise on his finishing ability in the death overs. 

“I spoke a lot to KL Rahul and he backs me every time. He tells me you are the best player and you can finish well. I also share a good bonding with Justin. I went to Australia last year and there also he made me learn a few things and improved my game,” Badoni said.

“I went to Australia in September last which was facilitated by LSG where we had a training camp with Justin for 10 days and that helped me a lot,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, LSG continues to sit in the top half of the points table despite losing their previous game. With three wins from five contested matches thus far, LSG has six points in their kitty.