"I tell him I’ll hit him for sixes" - Ayush Badoni is excited for battle against Ishant Sharma in Delhi Premier League 2024

Young batter Ayush Badoni is looking forward to hitting sixes against veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma in the upcoming inaugural season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024. Badoni said Ishant always jokes about taking his wicket and DPL will give them a brilliant chance to go head-to-head.

The DPL will be played between August 17 and September 8 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Badoni, who features for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, was the top pick for South Delhi Superstars while Ishant was one of the marquee signings for the Purani Dilli 6 in the pre-season player draft.

"What excites me most about the league is playing against Ishant Sharma," Badoni said in media release. "We always have this banter that he’ll get me out, and I tell him I’ll hit him for sixes, so playing against him will be fun."

"Delhi players are known for their aggressive cricket. So, the DPL will be very competitive and fun to watch for cricket followers," he added.

The youngster also said he'll see the tournament as a "mini IPL", hoping to gain some exposure for himself and other Delhi cricketers.

"Shikhar Dhawan and I have been regularly chatting" - Ayush Badoni

The Superstars are owned by India veteran and former Delhi batter Shikhar Dhawan. Badoni said Dhawan spoke to him after the player draft and has been involved in the preparations for the tournament.

"After the player draft, Shikhar bhai contacted me, and we’ve been regularly chatting about the team and our preparations," Badoni said in the media release. "He is very confident with the team we have, and the environment is pretty relaxed. We’re looking forward to playing and lifting the DPL trophy."

Badoni will be joined by other promising youngsters like Priyansh Arya and Kuldip Yadav. The Superstars also have a women's franchise which will compete under the same banner in a four-team tournament.

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