Ayush Badoni, Delhi cricketer, feels that his decision to start bowling a few years ago helped him become an all-rounder and get his first call-up for India.
Following Washington Sundar's injury following the first ODI, the 26-year-old was added to India's ODI team for the current three-game series against New Zealand. The series is currently tied 1-1, and on Sunday, both teams will square off in the decisive match at Indore's Holkar Stadium.
Even though Badoni was left out of the playing XI in the second ODI in Rajkot, which India lost, he will be hoping for an opportunity to showcase his qualities, as he has been in top form lately.
“I was with the Delhi team; I was captain there, and our next-day match was the quarter-finals against Vidarbha. That's when I got to know about it. Priyansh was my roommate, so I told him that this could happen, and I'll be going, so maybe you'll be the captain. That was a great feeling, and I feel very grateful and happy that I got this opportunity,” Badoni said on his call-up in a video shared by BCCI.
When asked whom he spoke to from his family and friends, he said, “I got a call late at night, so I couldn't tell them. It was announced in the morning; that's when they got to know, and they were also very happy and proud. All the coaches and the players were very welcoming to me, and I really liked it. I've played with and against most of them, so it was nice to meet everyone again.”
Additionally, Badoni disclosed that he was a pure hitter until he began bowling two years ago. His development into an all-rounder helped him receive his first call-up for India.
“Preparation was very clear. Earlier, I used to bat, but for the last two years, I've been focusing a lot on my bowling. I always feel that I can take wickets and contribute to the team with my bowling. So I got the benefit of being an all-rounder. I've bowled a lot for Delhi, taken wickets, and benefited from it,” he added.
Badoni also revealed that he has experience playing with and against the majority of the senior players in the Indian team in domestic cricket or franchise cricket.
“A lot of the seniors in our team are legends in a way, so I try to learn from them when I bat or bowl. I feel that it enhances my game, and I just try to learn as much as I can. There are a lot of players with whom I have fun and have a good time. I've known Harshit because he plays for Delhi. I've had a lot of fun with Arshdeep and Shreyas, too. It's a lot of fun to be with them,” Badoni concluded.
(IANS input)
