Why did Ayush Badoni opened for LSG vs RR instead of Aiden Markram in IPL 2026 clash?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
LSG surprised many when Ayush Badoni yet again walked out to open instead of Aiden Markram in IPL 2026.
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are not having the type of season they had hoped for, and they are currently at the 8th position in the points table of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Against Rajasthan Royals (RR), they made a slight comeback and restricted the opposition to 159 runs while bowling first, and when they came out to chase the total, they made a surprising decision by opening the innings with Ayush Badoni.
Leaving everyone shocked, the team promoted Badoni yet again to the open in place of Aiden Markram. Badoni, who has been the backbone for LSG in the middle order, has been performing well despite the team’s struggles. Notably, the youngster also opened against PBKS in last game.
In the first match of the season, captain Rishabh Pant himself opened the batting, but after just one failure, he demoted himself. From the next game, they went with their main opening duo of Mitchell Marsh and Markram.
Why did Ayush Badoni open in LSG vs RR clash instead of Aiden Markram?
The decision to demote Aiden Markram and give a chance to Ayush Badoni at the top is mainly a tactical one by the LSG management and captain Pant.
The decision could be to possibly to strength the middle-order as Markram is the only batter who seems to be in form. LSG’s batting has failed to deliver, with Nicholas Pooran being the biggest disappointment for the franchise.
Pooran had a splendid start to his IPL season last year, but is yet to make an impact this year. Their other big-name overseas batters and captain Rishabh Pant too have been unable to deliver on a consistent basis, which has left them reeling at the bottom half of the points table.
Before this match, Badoni opened against PBKS, where he scored 35 runs off 21 balls in the powerplay before getting out to Vijaykumar Vyshak. However, in the game against RR, he failed to make a mark as he got run out in the first over itself.
Why did Badoni open for Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals instead of Markram?
The decision could be to possibly to strengthen the middle order.
How many innings Badoni has opened in IPL before this game?
Only twice Badoni has opened in the IPL before this game.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.