Ayush Badoni, the young Delhi batter known for his flashy IPL cameos, is quietly building a formidable reputation in red-ball cricket. On his Duleep Trophy debut for North Zone, Badoni produced a masterclass in patience, placement, and sheer run accumulation, hammering an unbeaten 204 against East Zone. The double ton is his second in first-class cricket, further cementing his credentials as more than just a white-ball prospect.
Badoni resumed his innings on 56 and shifted gears with maturity, bringing up his century off 123 deliveries and then grinding out a commanding double hundred by the day’s end. He shared crucial stands with captain Ankit Kumar, who missed a double of his own on 198, and later with Nishant Sindhu. Together, they powered North Zone to a staggering 658 for 4 declared, effectively putting East Zone out of contention. The innings not only helped his team secure a first-innings lead of 833 runs but also propelled them into the semi-finals with confidence.
What stands out is the consistency Badoni has shown in recent weeks. His last six first-class innings read like a dream: 204*, 63, 99, 44, 60, and 205*. This run amounts to 675 runs at an average well over 160, lifting his overall career numbers to 1,300-plus runs at a stunning average above 65. For a 23-year-old in only his 15th first-class match, those statistics are no accident—they are evidence of a player growing into his own.
The Duleep Trophy has long been regarded as a proving ground for cricketers aspiring to higher honors, and Badoni is making the most of it. Often typecast as a T20 batter with limited application beyond the IPL, he is breaking that narrative with sustained excellence in the longer format. Selectors will be taking note, as India continues to look for middle-order anchors who can adapt across formats. His ability to marry aggression with patience is rare, and it’s a quality that could open doors for India A selection, and eventually, the senior team.
North Zone’s dominance in this quarter-final wasn’t just about a lopsided scoreline—it was a statement of depth and resilience, with Badoni at the center of it. For him personally, it is another reminder to critics and franchises alike: he’s not just a quick-strike batter, but a long-haul run machine capable of dictating terms in the toughest conditions.
If his IPL exploits gave him recognition, his red-ball performances are giving him respect. In cricketing circles, respect lasts longer. Ayush Badoni’s double century in the Duleep Trophy is more than just another entry in the scorebook—it’s the shaping of a career trajectory that could see him bridge the gap from franchise standout to future India stalwart.
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