Ayush Badoni scored a vital 55 off 35 deliveries to help Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recover from 94/7 to put up a competitive 167/7 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Lucknow on April 12 (Friday). He put on an unbeaten 74-run stand for the eighth wicket with Arshad Khan to give his side a chance, but DC put on a clinical show to win the match by six wickets with 11 balls to spare.

The 24-year-old credits the time he spent with LSG head coach Justin Langer in Australia for the improvement he has shown in his batting. “I share a good bond with Justin Langer. I also went to Australia last year, where Justin taught me many things and helped me improve my game,” Badoni said at the post-match press conference.

“I went to Australia in September, where we had training with Justin Langer sponsored by Lucknow Super Giants. I was with Justin for about one week to 10 days there. He helped me enhance by batting. That helped me a great deal.”

Despite managing just 29 runs in four innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Badoni revealed he has received constant backing from his skipper, KL Rahul. “I have many conversations with KL Rahul. He always backs me. He tells me that, ‘You are the best player, and you can finish games well,” Badoni said.

“The start of the season wasn’t good for me, but I was doing well in the nets. I was confident. I am thankful to KL Rahul and Justin Langer, who continued to back me.”

LSG are currently fourth in the IPL 2024 table with three wins from five matches. They take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next on April 14 (Sunday) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.