As Delhi kicks off their Ranji Trophy campaign against Bengal, head coach Vijay Dahiya has urged the players to take collective ownership of the team’s performance. Emphasising that individual talent must translate into unified success, Dahiya noted that Delhi has often struggled to function as a cohesive unit despite strong personal displays. He believes that fostering self-belief, individual responsibility, and pride in representing the state is essential for turning around the team’s red-ball fortunes.
Ayush Badoni, 26, has been appointed captain of the Delhi senior Ranji Trophy squad for the upcoming domestic season, with Yash Dhull named vice-captain. Delhi will kick off their campaign against Bengal in Kalyani on October 11, aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Badoni arrives with an impressive first-class pedigree, boasting an average of 54 across 38 innings, highlighted by four centuries and ten half-centuries. His approach prioritises discipline and the ability to convert starts into big scores—traits he is now eager to bring to the team. He has been candid regarding his leadership philosophy and the obstacles currently facing Delhi’s bowling unit.
The Hindu quotes Badoni saying, “I like to take challenges. As a batter, I like it when there is pressure. As a captain too, there is pressure. I will try to keep things simple and rely on my instincts to do what is best in that given moment.”
As captain, Badoni aims to instil his personal batting discipline throughout the team. Having learned from his own career, the 26-year-old is focused on eliminating reckless shot selection and intends to lead by example with his performances at the crease.
Badoni added, “I want to put a price on my wicket. There have been instances when I have played some flamboyant shots to give away my wicket. I want to make the bowlers earn my wicket. If I make a half-century, I don’t want to get carried away. I want to get as many big scores as possible.”
