Flamboyant Badoni keen to put a price on his wicket
Delhi cricketer Ayush Badoni discusses his goals for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, emphasizing his desire to improve his consistency as a batter and leader. He acknowledges the team's need for better bowling performances to succeed in the competition.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the professional development of young athletes and the challenges faced by regional sports teams in high-stakes competitions.
On the eve of a new Ranji Trophy season, Delhi’s Ayush Badoni faces a daunting test. The 26-year-old will be expected to not just score a heap of runs in the middle order and guide Delhi’s young batting unit, but also hit the right notes as captain and resurrect his team’s fortunes in the First-Class competition. The seven-time Ranji champion hasn’t entered the knockouts since 2017-18.
It isn’t in Badoni’s nature to shy away from a challenge. “I like to take challenges. As a batter, I like it when there is pressure. As a captain too, there is pressure. I will try to keep things simple and rely on my instincts to do what is best in that given moment,” he told The Hindu on Saturday (October 10, 2026) ahead of Delhi’s opening fixture against Bengal in Kalyani.
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