Rigorous training routine works wonders for Badoni

As the persistent drizzle prevailed and prevented any play on the final two days of the Ranji Trophy contest between Jharkhand and Delhi, Ayush Badoni flashed a shy smile. The 26-year-old’s expression was emblematic of his mixed emotions at the end as he was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for his fourth double hundred in First Class cricket in a rain-marred draw.

Badoni’s individual accolade, for scoring an unbeaten 210 on Tuesday, came after the fourth day’s play was called off by noon on Thursday. Both teams had to be content with a point each. Delhi would be justified to be annoyed by the gloomy weather.

It had reduced the host to 131 for four after amassing 515 for five declared in its first innings. “We were well ahead. It is unfortunate that the rain played spoilsport, and we have not been able to get six points,” Badoni told The Hindu after the game.

The stalemate shouldn’t detract from Badoni’s prolific form. He has racked up double tons in his last two games, bolstering his First Class average to a formidable 63.84. The middle-order batter explains his current surge as a response to two subpar red-ball outings for India-A, against Australia-A and South Africa-A, in 2025.

“Last season, the games didn’t go very well for India-A. I wanted to make a statement. The dream is to play for India. So, I am just thinking now to make as many runs as possible and not give away my wicket,” he said. A rigorous training routine, in keeping with the demands of the format, has also worked wonders.

“Having played two to three Ranji seasons, I realised that I needed to alter my preparation,” Badoni revealed. “In the build-up to this season, I practised for six hours of batting in a day. We play for six hours everyday in a Ranji game.

So I trained like that from morning to evening, with breaks for lunch and tea”.