Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered their first defeat while defending a total above 160 in the IPL 2024 season, falling to Delhi Capitals by six wickets.
Despite the loss, young batter Ayush Badoni emerged as a bright spark for LSG. His unbeaten 73-run knock, alongside Arshad Khan, propelled the team from a precarious 94/7 to a respectable 167. This record-breaking eighth-wicket partnership rekindled hopes for a Lucknowi fightback.
Strong Support System in LSG for Ayush Badoni
Following the match, Ayush Badoni expressed his gratitude to the team management, particularly KL Rahul and coach Justin Langer, for their unwavering support. He revealed that despite a slow start to the season, his performance in the nets hadn’t gone unnoticed. This backing from the captain and coach instilled confidence in him, allowing him to express himself freely at the crease.
“The season start wasn’t good for me, but I was doing well in the nets,” Badoni said at the post-match press conference. “I’m thankful to KL Rahul and Justin Langer who continued to back me.”
Focusing on Future: Learning from Loss
While acknowledging the loss, Ayush Badoni remained optimistic. He suggested that LSG might have fallen short by 10-20 runs, indicating areas for improvement in future matches. He also commented on the batting-friendly nature of the Lucknow pitches, something teams might need to factor in while setting targets.
Reflecting on his challenging encounter with Delhi Capitals’ spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav, Badoni credited him for restricting the LSG total.
Ayush Badoni on KL Rahul and Justin Langer
Ayush Badoni also shed light on his relationship with KL Rahul. He revealed that Rahul consistently motivates him, encouraging him to believe in his abilities and play to his full potential.
“I have many conversations with KL Rahul and he always back me. He tells me that ‘You are the best player and you can finish good’. I also 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.”
“I went to Australia in September where we had training with Justin Langer sponsored by Lucknow Super Giants. I was with Justin for about 7-10 days with Justin there.”
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Lucknow Super Giants future bright in IPL 2024
This strong bond extends beyond the captain. Ayush Badoni also spoke highly of his time spent training with Justin Langer in Australia last year under the Lucknow Super Giants’ sponsorship. He highlighted the valuable lessons learned during this period, crediting Langer for helping him refine his game.
Ayush Badoni’s fighting spirit and the unwavering support he receives from the team leadership bode well for the future of the Lucknow Super Giants. While the loss to Delhi Capitals stings, Badoni’s performance serves as a reminder of the team’s depth and potential.
