Young cricketer Ayush Badoni received the news of his lifetime on Monday, securing his maiden call-up to the Indian national team. The moment arrived via a phone message just as he finished a practice session and was returning to his hotel.
An Emotional Moment and a Coach's Pride
Displaying remarkable composure, Badoni first shared the thrilling update with his Delhi coach and former India cricketer, Sarandeep Singh. The occasion was marked by an emotional embrace between the player and his mentor. Badoni has been named as the replacement for the injured all-rounder Washington Sundar in India's squad for the remaining two One-Day Internationals against New Zealand.
Washington Sundar was ruled out due to a rib injury sustained during the series opener in Vadodara on Sunday. This unfortunate event opened the door for Badoni's well-deserved opportunity.
"He was really happy, and I was very happy for him. He truly deserved it. He has worked extremely hard," an elated Sarandeep Singh told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive conversation. The coach was quick to highlight that while most recognize Badoni as a powerful batter, his evolution as an off-spinner is a testament to pure dedication.
The Making of an All-Rounder: Seven Overs of Grit
Sarandeep revealed the specific advice and discipline that shaped Badoni's secondary skill. "I told him last year that while he is a very good batter, he must bowl at least seven overs after every batting session before going home. He accepted that challenge without any hesitation," the Delhi head coach stated.
True to his word, Badoni would diligently pick up the ball and bowl his required overs, sometimes even exceeding the mark, after long and tiring batting sessions. This relentless focus on his off-spin bowling has transformed him into a genuine all-round option.
"His off-spin is really good now. It turns sharply, and he has added a couple of variations to his bowling. He bowls the carrom ball and the arm ball as well. He is a very smart cricketer," Sarandeep added, praising his ward's tactical growth.
Impressive Numbers and Leadership Pedigree
Badoni's credentials speak for themselves. He boasts an impressive first-class batting average of 57.96. In the List A format, he averages 36.47 from 27 matches, underscoring his consistency.
Beyond his personal statistics, the youngster has also exhibited leadership qualities. He has captained the Delhi team in the past and recently served as deputy to Rishabh Pant during Delhi's latest Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign.
Sarandeep also pointed out the invaluable experience Badoni gained by sharing the dressing room with legends like Virat Kohli during the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. This exposure, according to the coach, played a significant role in refining Badoni's overall game and temperament.
With a perfect blend of explosive batting, steadily improving off-spin, and a proven work ethic, Ayush Badoni's first step into the Indian team is a story of perseverance paying off, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career.
