Badoni joins Kohli, Gambhir in 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, producing another double century to join the likes of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir in an elite list of Indian batters. The Delhi captain struck an unbeaten 210 against Jharkhand in their Ranji Trophy Group C encounter on Tuesday, putting his side in a commanding position after following up his 217 against Gujarat earlier this month.Badoni's second successive 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 at the declaration.In reply, Jharkhand reached 131 for four at stumps on Day 2, with Utkarsh Singh batting on 53 as Delhi retained control of the contest.

Badoni joins Kohli, Gambhir in elite company

With his latest double century, Badoni became the 21st Indian batter to score consecutive double hundreds in first-class cricket.

Delhi greats Kohli and Gambhir are among the notable names to have achieved the feat.The 26-year-old's latest innings further underlined his consistency in the longer format, where he averages more than 60. After scoring 217 against Gujarat, Badoni carried his form into the Jharkhand fixture, producing another commanding knock to strengthen Delhi's position.

Badoni, Mathur rescue Delhi after early wobble

Resuming Day 2 at 309 for five, Badoni and Mathur continued to frustrate the Jharkhand bowlers with a commanding partnership.

Delhi had 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 from 253 balls. Their 334-run stand ensured Delhi crossed the 500-run mark before declaring at 515.Jharkhand, meanwhile, lost four wickets in their reply and finished the day at 131 for four. Utkarsh Singh's unbeaten 53 offered some resistance, but the hosts still had considerable work to do to reduce the deficit and challenge Delhi's advantage.