Ranji Trophy: Ayush Badoni joins Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir on elite list with back-to-back double tons

Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni (Image: IANS) Ayush Badoni continued his remarkable run in first-class cricket and produced another double century to join the likes of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir in the elite list of Indian batsmen. The Delhi captain scored an unbeaten 210 against Jharkhand in Group C of the Ranji Trophy on Tuesday, putting his side in a commanding position after following up his 217 against Gujarat earlier this month.Badoni’s second consecutive double hundred helped Delhi pile up 515 before declaring their innings. He also shared a mammoth 334-run partnership with Sumit Mathur, who remained unbeaten on 150 off 253 balls on the statement.In response, Jharkhand reached 131 for four at stumps on Day 2 with Utkarsh Singh batting on 53 as Delhi maintained control of the match.

Badoni joins Kohli, Gambhir in elite company

With his latest double century, Badoni became the 21st Indian batsman to score consecutive double hundreds in first-class cricket. Delhi greats Kohli and Gambhir are among the notable names to achieve this feat.The 26-year-old’s last innings further underlined his consistency in the longer format, where he averages over 60. After scoring 217 against Gujarat, Badoni carried his form into the Jharkhand match and produced another impressive knock to bolster Delhi’s position.

Badoni, Mathur bail out Delhi after early wobble

Resuming on 309 for five on Day 2, Badoni and Mathur continued to frustrate the Jharkhand bowlers with a brilliant partnership. Delhi found themselves under pressure at 181 for five before the duo took control of the innings and shifted the momentum decisively in their favour.Badoni’s unbeaten 210 came off 228 deliveries while Mathur provided valuable support with an unbeaten 150 off 253 balls. Their 334-run stand saw Delhi cross the 500-run mark before they declared for 515.Meanwhile, Jharkhand lost four wickets in their reply and ended the day at 131 for four. Utkarsh Singh’s unbeaten 53 offered some resistance, but the hosts still had work to do to reduce the deficit and challenge Delhi’s advantage.