Badoni available for Delhi’s clash against Himachal in Ranji

Ayush Badoni will lead Delhi in its Elite Group-D Ranji Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital from Saturday (October 25, 2025).

Although he has been picked in India-A’s squad for its first four-day game against South Africa-A at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from October 30 to November 2, the 25-year-old all-rounder will take part in the Ranji contest before heading down south.

In Delhi’s opening game of the domestic season against Hyderabad, Badoni was dismissed on 53 in the first innings, but his bigger contribution came with his off-spin — he claimed six for 73 in 24.2 overs.

The biggest positives for Delhi in the drawn encounter, where it took the first-innings lead to bag three points, were double centuries from Sanat Sangwan and debutant Ayush Doseja.

Having come together when the score was 113 for three in Delhi’s first essay, the southpaws forged a mammoth partnership of 319 runs to take the team to a total of 529 for four declared. While opener Sangwan’s unbeaten 211 came off 470 deliveries, the 23-year-old Doseja smashed a 279-ball 209 at No. 5.

“I was very happy after the innings, but I could have scored a few more runs. I played a casual shot to get out,” Doseja told The Hindu on the eve of Delhi’s second match against Himachal. “But yes, I am pleased with the start I have had. I will just look to continue playing positively.”

Himachal, meanwhile, also began its Ranji campaign with a draw against Puducherry in the southern coastal town. After posting a total of 305, the Ankush Bains-led side managed to bundle out the host for 183 to grab the lead. Aryaman Dhaliwal, Mukul Negi and Mayank Dagar starred in Himachal’s bowling display with three wickets apiece.