In the glitzy universe of IPL megastars, where six-foot-tall power-hitters dominate highlight reels, Ayush Badoni stands out for breaking the mold. At 5’6”, with a baby face and nerves of steel, this Delhi-born cricketer has redefined what it means to be a finisher. From last-ball heroics in Mumbai’s maidans to becoming Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) crisis man, Badoni’s journey is a masterclass in self-belief. This is the story of how a boy who once batted with a borrowed kit became Indian cricket’s most exciting under-25 prospect.
Early Life: The Garage-Batter Who Dreamed Big
Born on December 3, 1999, in Delhi’s Patel Nagar, Ayush Badoni grew up in a middle-class Jain family. His father, a small-scale textile trader, initially disapproved of cricket, pushing him to focus on academics. But Badoni’s obsession couldn’t be tamed. He’d practice in his building’s parking garage with a ₹200 plastic bat, using chalk-marked stumps on concrete walls.
Key Early Struggles & Milestones:
- 2013: Joined Sonnet Cricket Club under coach Rajkumar Sharma (Virat Kohli’s mentor).
- 2016: Dropped from Delhi U-19 squad due to his “small frame.”
- 2018: Scored 383 runs in 10 matches for Delhi in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, silencing critics.
- 2020: Worked as a practice net bowler for Delhi Capitals during IPL to fund his training.
Domestic Career: The Grind Before Glory
Badoni’s domestic career was a rollercoaster of setbacks and comebacks. Despite excelling in age-group cricket, he waited four years for a senior-team breakthrough.
Domestic Stats (2018–2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 22 | 1,287 | 42.90 | 67.50 | 143 vs Maharashtra |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 18 | 612 | 40.80 | 88.24 | 94* vs Jharkhand |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 26 | 589 | 32.72 | 142.51 | 68* vs Karnataka |
His 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign changed everything: 227 runs at a strike rate of 158, including a 29-ball 68* that caught LSG scouts’ attention.
IPL Explosion: From ₹20 Lakh Rookie to LSG’s Crisis King
Badoni’s IPL debut in 2022 was straight out of a movie script. Bought by LSG for base price (₹20 lakh), he walked in at 29/4 against Gujarat Titans and smashed 54 off 41 balls – the highest score by an uncapped Indian on debut.
IPL Career Stats (2022–2024)
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Finishes (30+ in <25 balls) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 268 | 22.33 | 138.02 | 4 (vs GT, RR, DC, MI) |
| 2023 | 14 | 327 | 32.70 | 144.24 | 5 (Including 83* vs SRH) |
| 2024 | 15 | 412 | 41.20 | 152.59 | 7 (Highlights: 62* off 24 vs RCB) |
2024 IPL Highlights:
- Became LSG’s go-to finisher, averaging 58 in death overs (16–20).
- Hit 28 sixes – third-highest after Russell and Pooran.
- Won 3 Player of the Match awards, including a 19-ball 54* vs CSK.
IPL 2025: The ₹3 Crore Payday
After his 2024 heroics, LSG retained Badoni for ₹3 crore – a 1,400% salary jump from his debut season. Experts predict he could command ₹8–10 crore in the 2026 mega auction.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG | 20 lakh |
| 2023 | LSG | 20 lakh |
| 2024 | LSG | 1 crore |
| 2025 | LSG | 3 crore |
Net Worth & Endorsements: The Frugal Phenom
As of July 2024, Ayush Badoni’s net worth is estimated at ₹8–10 crore, a testament to his meteoric rise.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2022–25) | ₹4.4 crore |
| Domestic Cricket | ₹1.2 crore |
| Endorsements | ₹2.5 crore |
| Investments | ₹50 lakh (Mutual Funds) |
Brand Partnerships:
- Ceat Tyres: Featured in their “Last Over Heroes” campaign.
- SG Cricket: Uses their Cobra Xtreme bat series.
- Dream11: Face of their “Young Guns” fantasy league segment.
- Delhi-based Startups: Endorses Zappfresh (meat delivery) and Stage (OTT platform).
Despite offers, Badoni avoids luxury car endorsements: “I’ll buy a Mercedes only when I play for India.”
Personal Life: Simple Tastes, Big Dreams
Badoni lives with his parents in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden. His morning routine includes 6 AM gym sessions and helping at his father’s textile shop.
Off the Field:
- Diet: Strict vegetarian (no onion/garlic) as per Jain traditions.
- Hobbies: Chess enthusiast (rated 1800 on Chess.com), loves watching The Test documentary.
- Philanthropy: Funds cricket kits for underprivileged kids in Delhi through his “Badoni Boost” initiative.
In a 2024 interview, he shared: “My father still checks my bank statements. Fame hasn’t changed our values.”
2024–25 Breakthrough: The India Cap Beckons
Badoni’s 2024 performances sparked national debate. While not yet in the Indian team, his stats are compelling:
- Domestic T20s: 689 runs at 148 SR, including a 43-ball 112* for Delhi.
- India A: Scored 78* off 32 vs New Zealand A in a warm-up game.
- Ranji Trophy: Shifted to No. 5, averaging 61 with 3 centuries.
Rahul Dravid praised him: “Ayush has the game for all formats. His composure is rare for 24.”
The Badoni Blueprint: Redefining the Finisher’s Role
Badoni’s success lies in his 360-degree game and pre-meditation mastery. A MIT study of his 2024 IPL innings revealed:
- 55% of sixes are lap scoops or ramps.
- 72% of dot balls are against spinners, whom he neutralizes with footwork.
- 94% of runs come between overs 15–20.
LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir notes: “He’s like a mini-Pandya with a MBA in crisis management.”
Future Prospects: The 2026 Vision
Badoni’s goals are clear:
- India Debut: Targetting T20I spot post-2024 T20 World Cup.
- IPL 2025: Aiming for 500+ runs at 150+ SR.
- Test Cricket: Working on red-ball skills to emulate Suryakumar Yadav’s multi-format rise.
Why Ayush Badoni Matters
In an era obsessed with “impact players,” Badoni embodies substance over hype. His journey from garage nets to IPL stardom proves that talent thrives where opportunity meets grit. While he may lack the aura of a Pant or a Gill, his clutch gene and humility make him the everyman hero Indian cricket needs.
Final Word
Ayush Badoni’s story is a reminder that heroes come in all sizes. Whether he’s reverse-scooping Bumrah, mentoring slum kids, or balancing ledgers at his dad’s shop, he represents the heartbeat of a new India – ambitious, adaptable, and unafraid to dream. As IPL 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: the boy from Patel Nagar is just getting started.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
