Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants Captain KL Rahul on Thursday said it was Vijay Dahiya and Gautam Gambhir who wanted Ayush Badoni in the side as they found him to be a player with a big heart and a fighter to the core.
"He has a big heart and he is a fighter for a young boy. It shows the character to bounce back with the wet ball. He is someone who wants to grow and learn. He spends time with the spin coach. Credit for that should go to Vijay Dahiya and Gautam Gambhir. They were the ones who wanted him," he said at the post-match presentation ceremony here.
Rahul said Badoni is a great find for Indian cricket as his batting is phenomenal and can also bowl a bit. "His batting has been phenomenal. Can bowl as well," he observed.
"I told him before the first game that he will be batting at three. Doesn't matter. Spinners or fast bowlers he knows one way. His timing has gotten a lot better. Great to see players coming in and winning games. Puts a smile on the captain's face," Rahul added.
Quinton de Kock also praised Badoni along with Evin Lewis for showing composure to chase down 211 runs target at the end. "Lewis played a hell of a knock which was unbelievable and so did the youngster (Badoni). It was great for everyone. I was nervous. Chasing 211 is always going to be a close game, but the boys were quite calm. There were mixed emotions between everyone. I was pretty calm myself, we knew what was going on out there. But still to get it done actually is still a hell of a job done," he said.
Both Badoni and Lewis saw LSG cross over the line. They stitched an unbeaten 40-run stand off just 13 balls for fifth wicket taking LSG to their first IPL win.
Lewis has been the star, but Badoni was Mr Cool perfection. He walked across to sweep Shivam Dube over deep square off the first ball of the penultimate over to launch the final assault.
Needing nine off the last over, Badoni blew two massive shots to seal the deal to race past 211 runs target. (UNI)
