14 Ayush Badoni

A dynamic right-handed batter and a deceptive off-break bowler, Ayush Badoni (born December 3, 1999) has become the tactical “X-factor” for both Delhi and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Known for his 360-degree stroke play and the ability to rescue his team from precarious situations, the Delhi youngster is widely regarded as one of the most promising all-rounders in the Indian T20 circuit.

As of January 22, 2026, Ayush Badoni is currently with the Indian National Team, having received his maiden ODI call-up for the ongoing series against New Zealand. He was drafted into the squad following an injury to Washington Sundar and is poised to make his international debut in the upcoming matches. Furthermore, he has been officially retained by the Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL 2026 season at a valuation of ₹4 Crore.

Ayush Badoni: Career Profile & 2025–26 Milestones

The “Clutch” India Call-Up (Jan 2026)

Badoni’s consistent domestic and IPL performances finally bore fruit in early 2026:

• The Selection: On January 12, 2026, he was named as the replacement for Washington Sundar. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted Badoni’s ability to bowl “4-5 overs” of tight off-spin as a key factor in his selection.

• The Reaction: Badoni, who was captaining Delhi in the Ranji Trophy at the time, described the call-up as a “dream come true,” crediting his focus on bowling over the last two years for his transition into a genuine all-rounder.

Domestic Dominance & “Captain Badoni”

The 2025–26 domestic season saw Badoni evolve into a senior leader for Delhi:

• Ranji Trophy Masterclass: In October 2025, he claimed a maiden five-wicket haul (5/69) against Hyderabad, dismantling a top-order that featured India star Tilak Varma.

• Red-Ball Consistency: He has amassed over 1,400 First-Class runs at an elite average of 62.78, including two double centuries.

• Delhi Premier League (DPL) Legacy: He made global headlines in late 2024 by smashing 165 runs off 55 balls (including a world-record 19 sixes) for the South Delhi Superstarz, a performance that cemented his status as a power-hitting phenomena.

IPL 2026: The Lucknow Super Giants Staple

One of the rare players to be with the franchise since its inception in 2022, Badoni remains a core part of the Rishabh Pant-led LSG squad.

• The 2025 Impact: He enjoyed his most productive IPL season yet, scoring 329 runs and contributing vital overs with the ball.

• Retention Value: LSG retained him for ₹4 Crore, viewing him as the perfect versatile middle-order anchor who can adapt to any match situation.

Ayush Badoni: Consolidated Statistics

Data updated as of January 22, 2026.

IPL & T20 Career Performance

Overall Domestic Record (First-Class & List A)