 |
|
Ayush Badoni, captain of the South Delhi Superstarz, has etched his name in the record books by smashing a staggering 19 sixes in a single innings during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) match against the North Delhi Strikers. His extraordinary feat, achieved off just 55 balls, saw him amass a colossal 165 runs, surpassing the previous record of 18 sixes held jointly by the legendary Chris Gayle and Estonian cricketer Sahil Chauhan.
Badoni, who also forged a monumental 286-run partnership with opener Priyansh Arya for the second wicket, attributes his record-breaking performance to his meticulous approach towards timing the ball. "I was just looking to time the ball well, I never thought I would end up hitting 19 sixes in an innings. I just focus on timing the ball and not trying to hit the ball hard," he shared with PTI Videos. This meticulous focus on technique and execution, rather than brute force, highlights the sophistication and skill behind his achievement.
While Badoni's exceptional performance has undoubtedly placed him in the spotlight, he remains grounded and focused on his current objective - leading his team to victory in the DPL. "I am not thinking about the (IPL) mega auction yet; my focus is on winning the Delhi Premier League right now as a skipper," he stated. This unwavering dedication to his team and the competition at hand showcases his maturity and commitment to the present, rather than being distracted by future possibilities.
His experience playing in the IPL, where he represents the Lucknow Super Giants, has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping his skills and confidence. "Playing in the IPL has made life a lot easier for me as a batter here (DPL). We face world-class bowlers there, and then coming here and playing becomes relatively easy," he reflected. This statement underscores the invaluable learning and experience gained from competing against top-tier bowlers, which translates into a notable advantage in the DPL.
Badoni's achievements haven't gone unnoticed, with LSG assistant coach Jonty Rhodes drawing parallels between him and former Proteas hard-hitter Herschelle Gibbs. "Jonty and I have a great relationship. I want to thank him for his kind words and just want to say that ‘see you soon, Jonty’." This acknowledgment from a respected figure in the cricketing world further solidifies Badoni's rising stature and potential.
Beyond his individual brilliance, Badoni emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships in team success. "I know that Priyansh and I have done well and our batting does help take the pressure off the team. But they come and tell me after the game that they too are eager to contribute with the bat. There are a few youngsters who have impressed and now it is our turn to groom them well," he mentioned. This demonstrates his leadership qualities, not just as a performer but also as a mentor and team builder, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
Source: Never thought I would hit world record 19 sixes; focus is on timing the ball: Badoni