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In a gripping encounter during the Ranji Trophy match on January 31, 2025, Delhi captain Ayush Badoni showcased his remarkable talent but faced a heartbreaking dismissal just one run shy of a century. As he walked back to the pavilion after scoring 99 runs, the disappointment was palpable, not just for him but also for cricketing icon Virat Kohli, who watched with visible frustration. This moment encapsulated the highs and lows of cricket, where individual brilliance can be overshadowed by a narrow miss.
Ayush Badoni’s stellar performance cut short
Badoni’s innings was nothing short of sensational. Batting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium against Railways, he had displayed exquisite skill and determination throughout his innings. However, the turning point came in the 56th over when he attempted an ambitious shot off Karn Sharma‘s bowling. The decision proved costly as Kunal Yadav took a sharp catch, sending Badoni packing for 99. His dismissal not only dashed his hopes of a well-deserved century but also left Kohli visibly pained at the missed opportunity for his teammate to shine on such a significant stage.
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Delhi’s mixed bag against Railways
The match itself was a rollercoaster ride for Delhi. Railways had set a target of 241 runs in their first innings, with Upendra Yadav leading the charge with an impressive 95. In response, Delhi struggled initially, losing two early wickets. Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after more than a decade had fans excited; however, he could only muster 6 runs before being dismissed. Despite these setbacks, Badoni’s innings ensured that Delhi remained competitive, reaching 241-5 and leveling the score with Railways.
The emotional reaction of Kohli after Badoni’s dismissal
Kohli’s reaction to Badoni’s dismissal was telling. Known for his competitive spirit and passion for the game, Kohli closed his eyes in pain as he witnessed his teammate’s unfortunate end to an outstanding innings. This moment highlighted not just Kohli’s investment in the match but also his desire to see young talent flourish. His presence in the dressing room has been described as motivational by players like Badoni himself, who expressed how inspiring it was to play alongside a legend like Kohli.
Here’s the video:
— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) January 31, 2025
For Badoni, this experience serves as both a lesson and motivation. Missing out on a century is undoubtedly disappointing, but it also showcases his potential as a leading cricketer for Delhi and beyond. The pressure of performing alongside established stars like Kohli can be immense; however, it also offers invaluable learning opportunities. As he reflects on this match, Badoni will likely channel this disappointment into future performances, determined to convert those near-misses into milestones.
