NEW DELHI: Ayush Badoni was batting in the nets and played a superb innovative sweep shot, reminiscent of South Africa legend AB de Villiers. Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul was watching Badoni from a distance. After Badoni played the shot to send the ball over the ropes, KL walked up to him and applauded him, and asked him which cricketer he admires the most. The 22-year-old Badoni said - AB de Villiers.
The next day, when the Lucknow Super Giants, who lost their first ever IPL match against the Gujarat Titans, faced defending champions Chennai Super Kings and found themselves in a tough spot, Badoni played a calm and composed cameo to take his team home.