Lucknow Super Giants batsman Ayush Badoni said mentor Gautam Gambhir asked him to play his natural game while assuring him of a proper run in IPL 2022.
Gautam Gambhir assured me a proper run in IPL 2022: Ayush Badoni (courtesy of BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gautam Gambhir told me to play my natural game, says Ayush Badoni
- Ayush Badon hit a fifty in his IPL debut against Gujarat
- Badoni was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 20 lakh
Lucknow Super Giants youngster Ayush Badoni, who scored 50 points in his IPL debut, said mentor Gautam Gambhir supported him and asked him to play his natural game while assuring him of a good run this season.
Gambhir endorsed a 22-year-old Badoni who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The right-hander had achieved his first IPL 50 by pulling a 90 mph Lockie Ferguson bouncer for a SIX.
IPL 2022: Full Coverage | points table
Deepak Hooda 55 on 41 and Ayush Badoni 54 on 41 smashed quick half centuries to help the Super Giants recover to a respectable 1586 after Shami 3/25 blew away their top order. Titans needed 68 of their last 30 balls and were against, but Tewatia 40 not out, David Miller 30 of 21 and IPL debutant Abhinav Manohar 15 not of 7 clinched a memorable win for their team with two balls left.
“Gautam Bhaiya was very supportive,” said Badoni in the post-match press conference. “He told me to just play my natural game. He told me you wouldn’t get an odd match but you would get a decent run. He also told me, ‘You don’t have to play according to the situation. That’s what experienced players are for. You show us your natural game.
“My name came up three years in a row and went unsold every time. I had attended 2-3 team camps but I didn’t know if I would be selected. Lucknow finally chose me and I am very grateful. “
“After being selected by Lucknow, I had over fifty points in two auditions. That impressed Gautam Bhaiya and coaches Vijay Sir and Andy Flower so they were confident to send me ahead of Krunal Pandya,” he added.
