Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 24: Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma shared a funny incident involving Delhi Capitals teammate Ayush Badoni during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) while speaking on Raj Shamani’s podcast. The 37-year-old recalled how he playfully sledged the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter after Badoni welcomed him with a boundary. Despite Ishant’s antics, Badoni went on to score a fighting half-century, guiding his team to a competitive total.

“See, it’s a competitive sport, you’ve to do well, and even he has to do well. The aim is the same for everyone: that your team should win. Like Delhi boy Badoni, we were playing in Lucknow. He hit me for a four, and I said, ‘Badoni, jeb me daal ke le jaunga tujhe, jeb mein’ (I would take you in my pocket). He put his eyes down, and that’s how things go. These are funny things, and there’s no chance these continue off the field,” Ishant said.

Ishant, who played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, was released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and was later signed by Gujarat Titans.

The Delhi-born pacer also addressed an exchange with DC batter Ashutosh Sharma, clarifying media reports. “Nothing happened with Ashutosh; it’s just to hype things up. I bowled him a slower bouncer, he tried a pull shot and got hit on the biceps. It was 50 degrees, and he told me where it hit. If anything serious had happened, match fees would have been cut or demerit points given, but none of that happened. He’s so junior and playing, why would I say anything?” he added.