IPL 2024: Training with Justin Langer in Australia helped my game, says Ayush Badoni

Lucknow Super Giants batter Ayush Badoni revealed training with Justin Langer in Australia helped his game. LSG found themselves tottering at 94-7 against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday but Badoni was able to get his team to a respectable score of 167.

The youngster scored an unbeaten knock of 55 runs off 35 balls with the help of five fours and one six with a strike rate of 157.14. Badoni added 73 runs off just 37 balls with Arshad Khan, which is now the highest partnership for the eighth-wicket in the IPL. Khan also contributed 20 runs off 16 balls.

Badoni has scored 483 runs in 33 IPL matches at an average of 21.95 and a strike rate of 131.97 and made an impressive debut in IPL 2022.

“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,” Badoni said in the press conference.

Badoni revealed how Langer helped him hone his skills on bouncy pitches in Australia.

“I went to Australia in September where we had training with Justin Langer sponsored by Lucknow Super Giants. I was with Justin for about one week to 10 days there. He helped me enhance by batting. That helped me a great deal,” he added.

Th 24-year-old from Delhi revealed skipper KL Rahul has always backed him to the hilt.

“I have many conversations with KL Rahul. He always backs me. He tells me that ‘You are the best player and you can finish games well,” Badoni said.

“The start of the season wasn’t good for me, but I was doing well in the nets. I was confident. I am thankful to KL Rahul and Justin Langer who continued to back me,” he added.

Lucknow Super Giants will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.