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Xtra Time Web Desk : Indian Premier League's latest superstar Ayush Badoni on Friday thanked his franchise's mentor Gautam Gambhir for helping him to take strides forward in his career, after playing a match winning knock against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Thursday.

Talking about Gambhir, who played a huge role in picking him as a Lucknow Super Giants cricketer, Badoni in an interview with the Times of India said, "Gautam bhaiya has played a huge role in my career so far. He has trusted my abilities, showed faith in me, and picked me for the team. Gautam bhaiya picked me in the IPL team. He was there when I attended the Lucknow camp and observed my batting. He liked the way I batted. He gave me a bat and also asked me to play the opening match. I am really thankful to him for giving me an opportunity and backing me. I am happy that I delivered too,"

Opening up about skipper KL Rahul's backing, the 22 year old added, "KL Rahul has backed me from the beginning of the tournament. Be it in practice sessions or any training session, he has closely observed me. After the net sessions, he gives me tips on how I can improve, what I lack, what I should do to send the ball over the ropes with ease, how to judge a bowler, and a lot of other things. He is teaching me how to remain injury-free. He likes the way I bat and gives me a lot of confidence,"

The Delhi batter who is also being considered as the Indian 'Baby AB' in the Indian cricketing circuit also opened up about how he got his knickname and how he feels about it.

"I was practicing in the nets and I played a sweep to send the ball over the line. KL Rahul came to me and clapped and said -'wow, superb stuff'. Then he asked me - 'who do you admire'. I said AB de Villiers. He said you just played like him. Since then, KL started calling me AB. Whenever he meets me, in the dressing room, on the field, during practice sessions, he calls me AB. It is very encouraging for me. I have followed AB de Villiers very closely," said the 22 year old batter who smashed a match winning 19* off 9 balls against CSK.