The rise of Ayush Badoni is a narrative of silent persistence meeting sudden, explosive stardom. From the humble rooftops of North Delhi to becoming a lynchpin for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the Unknown Story of Ayush Badoni is one of the most inspiring arcs in modern Indian cricket.
Often hailed as “Baby AB” for his 360-degree hitting, Badoni’s journey was nearly derailed by a lack of opportunities in domestic cricket until Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid spotted the spark that others missed. As of 2026, he isn’t just a “finisher”—he’s a verified match-winner.
The Unknown Story of Ayush Badoni: A Rooftop Beginning
Every superstar has a starting point that defies logic. For Ayush, it wasn’t a sprawling stadium, but the concrete rooftop of his house in Shalimar Bagh. His father, a documentary filmmaker, would bowl to him for hours in a cramped space, forcing Ayush to develop late cuts and innovative scoops—the very shots that now leave IPL bowlers bewildered.
The Dravid Connection and the “Unsold” Heartbreak
Long before the LSG fame, Rahul Dravid (then India U-19 coach) identified Badoni as a special talent. Despite a stellar 52-ball 185* in a Youth Test against Sri Lanka, Badoni was shockingly omitted from the U-19 World Cup squad. He spent nearly three years in the wilderness, getting only one batting opportunity for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. When he went under the hammer in 2022, he was a virtual nobody—until Gambhir insisted on picking him for his base price of ₹20 Lakh.

Ayush Badoni IPL Stats & Journey
As of April 2026, Badoni has evolved into a senior figure within the LSG camp. His maturity was on full display recently at Eden Gardens, where he smashed a 34-ball 54 to lead LSG to a thriller victory against KKR.
| Season | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate | Key Highlight |
| 2022 | 13 | 161 | 20.13 | 123.85 | 54 on Debut vs GT |
| 2023 | 15 | 238 | 23.80 | 138.37 | 59* vs CSK under pressure |
| 2024 | 14 | 235 | 29.38 | 137.43 | 55* vs SRH |
| 2025 | 14 | 329 | 32.90 | 148.20 | 74 vs PBKS |
| 2026 (Current) | 3 | 66 | 22.00 | 143.48 | 54 vs KKR (April 9, 2026) |
| TOTAL | 59 | 1029 | 26.38 | 138.87 | Joined 1000-run club for LSG |
Head-to-Head Stats: Performance vs Top Rivals
Badoni’s “big-game” temperament is reflected in his head-to-head records against the most dominant IPL franchises:
- vs Kolkata Knight Riders: 54 runs (34 balls) in 2026; a consistent thorn for KKR.
- vs Gujarat Titans: 54 runs on debut; holds a career bowling best of 2/4 against them.
- vs Punjab Kings: Career-high score of 74 (40 balls) in 2025.
- vs Chennai Super Kings: Famous for a match-saving 59* at the Ekana Stadium in 2023.
Conclusion
The Unknown Story of Ayush Badoni serves as a vital reminder that in the era of data-driven cricket, raw instinct and “street-smart” play still hold supreme value. From being the boy who practiced on a roof to the man who joined the elite 1000-run club for LSG in 2026, Badoni has redefined what it means to be an “uncapped” sensation.
As he inches closer to a regular spot in the Indian national team, his journey remains a blueprint for every youngster told they aren’t “big enough” or “experienced enough” to dream. Ayush Badoni didn’t just knock on the door; he smashed it open.
FAQs
1. Is Ayush Badoni playing for India in 2026?
As of early 2026, Badoni received his maiden India call-up for the New Zealand ODI series following his consistent domestic and IPL performances.
2. What is Ayush Badoni’s highest score in T20s?
In the 2024 Delhi Premier League (DPL), Badoni smashed a world-record 165 runs off 55 balls, including 19 sixes for South Delhi Superstarz.
3. Who is Ayush Badoni’s coach?
He is a product of the famous Sonnet Club, trained by the late Tarak Sinha, who also coached stars like Rishabh Pant and Shikhar Dhawan.
4. Why is Ayush Badoni called “Baby AB”?
He earned the nickname from KL Rahul and the media due to his ability to play unconventional shots all around the ground, similar to AB de Villiers.
5. How much was Ayush Badoni bought for in 2026?
Lucknow Super Giants retained him for ₹4 Crore ahead of the 2025/26 cycle, a 20x jump from his inaugural price.














