Ayush Badoni might not yet be in the conversation for a spot in India’s Test squad, but his recent performances in red-ball cricket make a compelling case for why that may soon change. The 25-year-old continues to impress in the domestic circuit and has now firmly established himself as one of the most in-form players in Indian first-class cricket.
Dominance in Duleep Trophy 2025: A Statement Knock
On Day 4 of the Duleep Trophy 2025 clash between North Zone and East Zone, Badoni once again showed why he’s one to watch. Playing in his Duleep Trophy debut, the right-hander brought up his fourth first-class century and remained unbeaten on 150 at lunch*, taking North Zone’s lead past 700. Scoring a ton on debut in this prestigious tournament is no small feat — but for Badoni, it’s becoming business as usual.
His red-hot form speaks volumes. In fact, over his last seven first-class innings, Badoni has been in ludicrous touch with the bat, racking up scores of:
150, 63, 99, 60, 44, 205, and 49**
That’s a staggering 670 runs at an average of over 100 — and with a strike rate of 95.17, he’s not just scoring runs, he’s doing it at an elite tempo rarely seen in long-format cricket.
What Makes Badoni a National Contender?
While a Test call-up might still be a stretch for now, the numbers don’t lie. If Badoni carries this form into the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season, he could become an irresistible option for selectors. At 25, he still has age on his side and fits the profile of a modern-day cricketer — technically sound, fearless, and consistent.
Beyond the runs, his leadership qualities have also been recognized across various levels. Whether captaining age-group sides or stepping up in domestic matches, Badoni has shown composure and cricketing intelligence — two qualities that selectors value highly when looking at long-term prospects.
Final Thoughts
Ayush Badoni’s purple patch in first-class cricket is no longer just a hot streak — it’s a statement. With form, fitness, and flair all coming together, he’s knocking hard on the doors of higher honors. If he maintains this trajectory through the upcoming domestic season, don’t be surprised if his name starts surfacing in India’s red-ball conversations sooner rather than later.
