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Ayush Badoni: From IPL Finisher to India A Captain

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Ayush Badoni: From IPL Finisher to India A Captain

“Calm under pressure, sharp with purpose – Badoni’s rise is no accident.”

Delhi’s 26-year-old cricketer Ayush Badoni is fast becoming one of Indian cricket’s most reliable modern all-rounders. With a fresh leadership role, consistent domestic performances, and his maiden India call-up, Badoni now finds himself firmly in the spotlight ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Table of Contents

India A Captaincy Ahead of T20 World Cup

The BCCI named Ayush Badoni as captain of the India A squad for two crucial warm-up matches ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, announced on February 1, 2026.

  • India A vs USA – February 2, Dr. Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
  • India A vs Namibia – February 6, BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

The squad features several notable names:

  • Tilak Varma (returning after surgery, part of senior T20 WC squad)
  • Riyan Parag (back from shoulder injury)
  • Ravi Bishnoi
  • Khaleel Ahmed
  • Mayank Yadav (returning after 9 months)

For Badoni, this captaincy is a clear signal of trust in both his tactical awareness and temperament.

Maiden India Call-Up

January 2026 marked a major breakthrough when Badoni received his first India call-up, joining the ODI squad against New Zealand as a replacement for injured Washington Sundar.

Badoni revealed that he had deliberately worked on his off-spin bowling for nearly two years, reshaping himself into a genuine all-rounder. The effort paid off in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked up 4 wickets in 5 matches, including a standout 3/30 against Railways.

He learned about the national call-up late at night, just before a knockout match — sharing the news with his family the next morning.

Recent Performances & Big Numbers

IPL 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants

  • Matches: 14
  • Runs: 329
  • Average: 32.90
  • Strike Rate: 148.20
  • Fifties: 2 (Best: 74)

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26

  • Runs: 206 in 7 matches
  • Average: 29.42
  • Strike Rate: 135.52
  • Half-centuries: 1

Domestic Highlights

  • 205* vs Jharkhand (Ranji Trophy 2024)
  • 165 off 55 balls (19 sixes) – Delhi Premier League

Career Journey & Playing Style

Badoni first grabbed national attention with a fearless 54 on IPL debut in 2022 for Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, he has steadily evolved from a finisher into a dependable middle-order batter who can bowl crucial overs.

His calm body language, clean hitting, and improving bowling make him well-suited for modern T20 demands.

Why Badoni Matters for Team India

As of February 2, 2026, Ayush Badoni stands at a crucial junction in his career. Leading India A just days before the T20 World Cup and being part of recent international plans suggests he is very much on India’s radar.

If he delivers in these warm-up games, Badoni could soon transition from a squad player to a regular white-ball option for India.

Indian cricket has many talents — but leaders who perform under pressure are rare. Ayush Badoni is knocking loudly.

 

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Prasidh Krishna Strikes Back: India’s Silent Pace Weapon vs New Zealand

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Prasidh Krishna 

“From injury doubts to match pressure — Prasidh Krishna is roaring again.”

 

Prasidh Krishna is once again in the spotlight as the Indian fast bowler delivers a strong performance in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand on January 14, 2026, at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. At a time when India is missing senior pacers, Prasidh has stepped up with confidence and control.

Match-Changing Impact in Rajkot

While defending a target of 285 runs, Prasidh provided early breakthroughs that shifted the momentum in India’s favour. He dismissed Henry Nicholls for 10 runs in the 12.4th over, pushing New Zealand into pressure at 46/2. His sharp pace and bounce troubled the batters, especially Daryl Mitchell, who struggled against his nippy deliveries.

Prasidh continued to apply pressure later in the innings, striking again as New Zealand reached 78/2 after 18.4 overs. With Harshit Rana removing Devon Conway from the other end, India tightened the grip during the crucial middle phase. Prasidh replaced Mohammed Siraj in the XI and made the opportunity count.

Strong Comeback After Criticism

Prasidh’s performance is part of a steady recovery phase. In December 2025, he answered critics with a 4/66 haul against South Africa in the 3rd ODI at Visakhapatnam, helping bowl the visitors out for 270. Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin praised his improved rhythm, awareness, and run-up tempo, highlighting his growth as a reliable ODI bowler.

Before the New Zealand series, Prasidh had already taken 37 ODI wickets at an average of 26.83, showing his long-term value in India’s pace setup.

Injury Setbacks and Mental Strength

The 29-year-old pacer faced a setback in September 2025, when he suffered a concussion during an India A vs Australia A match after being hit on the helmet. Though ruled out temporarily, he made a clean comeback and showed no lingering issues.

He returned strongly with figures of 2/60 in the 1st ODI vs New Zealand on January 10, 2026, setting the tone for his Rajkot performance.

IPL Value and Career Rise

Prasidh Krishna’s growing impact was reflected in the IPL 2025 auction, where Gujarat Titans picked him for INR 9.50 crore. Since his ODI debut against England in 2021 (4/52), his raw pace and extra bounce have remained his biggest strengths.

With confidence returning and responsibility increasing, Prasidh Krishna is quietly becoming India’s dependable pace option.

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35 Balls, One Storm, Indian Cricket Has a New Speed King Anmolpreet Singh

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Anmolpreet Singh 

Anmolpreet Singh has just rewritten Indian cricket history.

The Punjab batter smashed the fastest List A century by an Indian, blasting a jaw-dropping 100 in just 35 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, breaking Yusuf Pathan’s 14-year-old record — and doing it in style.

🚀 A Record That Shocked Everyone

Walking in at No. 3 after captain Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissal, Anmolpreet didn’t take time to settle. He attacked from ball one, turning the match into a one-man show.

  • 115 off 45 balls*

  • 12 fours & 9 sixes

  • 31 runs in one over off spinner Techi Neri

Punjab chased 165 runs in just 12.5 overs, winning by 9 wickets, with Prabhsimran Singh supporting with 35 off 25 balls.

This wasn’t just fast — it was ruthless.

🔥 Bigger Than Yusuf Pathan’s Record

Anmolpreet’s century is now:

  • 🇮🇳 Fastest List A hundred by an Indian

  • 🌍 Third-fastest List A century in history

Only Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls) stand ahead of him globally.

Elite company. Elite impact.

📈 From U19 Star to Comeback Statement

Born on March 28, 1998, in Patiala, Anmolpreet made his mark early:

  • India U19 World Cup (2015)

  • IPL stints with Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad

  • Career-best 267 in Ranji Trophy (2017)

Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, this innings sends a loud message:
👉 Ignore him at your own risk.

🔄 Consistency Backing the Explosion

This knock wasn’t a fluke.

In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, Anmolpreet has delivered:

  • 48 vs Maharashtra

  • 60 vs Puducherry

  • 46 vs Hyderabad

He’s proving his top-order dominance match after match.

Anmolpreet Singh didn’t just score a century —
he announced his return, reignited his T20 prospects, and reminded Indian cricket how dangerous he can be.

Records fall. Talent rises. Speed wins.

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From Wonder Boy to Wake-Up Call: Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Snub Sparks a Fightback Story

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Prithvi Shaw

Once called the future of Indian batting, Prithvi Shaw is again standing at a tough crossroads. The 26-year-old opener went unsold for the second straight year at the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025 — a moment that shocked fans and reignited debate around his career.

IPL 2026 Disappointment

Despite setting his base price at a modest ₹75 lakh and delivering strong domestic performances, Shaw attracted no bids from any IPL franchise. This followed a similar outcome in 2025 after Delhi Capitals released him.

What made the snub surprising was his impressive domestic run. Playing for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, Shaw smashed 470 runs, including a jaw-dropping 72-ball double century against Chandigarh. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 183 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 160.52, with fluent knocks like 66 off 36 vs Hyderabad and 66 off 30 against Bihar.

Yet, IPL teams chose caution over comeback.

A Fresh Start with Maharashtra

In June 2025, Shaw made a bold move — switching from Mumbai to Maharashtra after receiving an NOC. The decision came after fitness concerns and discipline issues led to his mid-season drop from Mumbai’s 2024 Ranji squad.

Signs of renewal soon followed. In the Buchi Babu Tournament, Shaw struck 111 against Chhattisgarh and 66 against TNCA President XI, showing better fitness and intent. Maharashtra selector Akshay Darekar praised his renewed focus, noting that off-field distractions had earlier affected his ability to play long innings.

Lessons from the Past

Shaw last played for India in July 2021. Since then, injuries, controversies, and his own admissions of “wrong decisions” slowed his rise. He openly spoke about bad company and reduced practice habits derailing his growth.

Even so, his talent has never been questioned. From leading India to the U-19 World Cup title to scoring a century on Test debut, Shaw’s story has always been one of extremes. Supporters like Rishabh Pant continue to back his comeback.

What Lies Ahead?

At 26, time is still on Shaw’s side — but patience is thinning. While IPL teams remain hesitant, consistent domestic performances and discipline could still reopen doors. With selectors like Ajit Agarkar stressing fitness and attitude, Shaw’s next chapter depends entirely on continuity.

His journey now is no longer about promise —
it’s about proof.

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