The reality behind Ayush Badoni's selection for the IND vs NZ ODI series
Uncapped Delhi all-rounder Ayush Badoni was handed a surprise call-up to the Indian ODI squad after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the ongoing series against New Zealand due to injury. Sundar sustained a rib issue during the first ODI in Vadodara, an incident that forced the team management to look for a replacement ahead of the remaining matches. Badoni’s sudden inclusion sparked widespread discussion, especially given his limited exposure at the international level, but India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has since shed light on the thinking behind the decision.
IND vs NZ: Sitanshu Kotak reveals the story behind Ayush Badoni's selection
During the opening ODI at the BCA Stadium, Sundar experienced sharp pain in the left side of his lower rib cage while bowling. Despite the discomfort, he walked out to bat at No. 8 later in the innings, showing determination to contribute. However, subsequent medical evaluations revealed that continuing would pose a risk, prompting the BCCI to officially rule him out of the final two games of the series. With India already grappling with injury concerns to key players such as Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma, the selectors and team management were compelled to rework their squad balance. In particular, they prioritized maintaining sufficient bowling resources in the 50-over format, a factor that ultimately influenced Badoni’s selection.
The selectors eventually named Ayush Badoni as Washington Sundar’s replacement, handing the 26-year-old his first-ever call-up to the Indian senior team. While the decision marked a major milestone in Badoni’s career, it also sparked widespread debate and criticism aimed at the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Many questioned the move, pointing to Badoni’s relative inexperience at the international level. That said, his recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy had been fairly encouraging, particularly with the bat, suggesting that he was in decent form heading into the series.
However, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified that individual batting numbers were not the primary factor behind the selection. Instead, the team management focused on maintaining the right balance within the XI. Speaking ahead of the second ODI, Kotak stressed that no side can realistically compete in a 50-over match with just five bowling options. He explained that if Sundar had been unable to continue earlier in the opening ODI, India would have struggled to complete their allotted overs. Kotak added that Badoni’s capacity to comfortably bowl four to five overs provided much-needed flexibility. While Badoni and Sundar offer different strengths, his ability to contribute as a bowling option made him the most practical replacement under the circumstances.
"He has been playing, he has been performing, he has played some India A one-day matches and he has performed. Of course, it is the selectors who pick the team, but for any common man, when Washington is out, you cannot normally go with only five bowlers. For example, in the last game, if we had only five bowlers and Washington got injured in the fourth or fifth over, then who would have bowled those overs? So every team would like to have a sixth bowling option. Sometimes, if it is an all-rounder like Washington, then it's an equally good bowler; sometimes it might be more of a batter who can bowl," stated India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Sitanshu Kotak also highlighted Ayush Badoni’s previous exposure at higher competitive levels as an important factor behind his selection. He pointed out that Badoni has already represented India A in several one-day matches, where he delivered solid performances with both bat and ball. The Delhi all-rounder has shown the ability to score timely half-centuries, often batting with maturity against quality opposition, while also chipping in with useful overs when required. These all-round contributions at the India A level gave the team management confidence in his readiness for international cricket.
Kotak further referred to Badoni’s experience in the Indian Premier League, noting that playing in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL helps young cricketers develop game awareness and composure. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, Badoni has been exposed to different match situations and demanding conditions, which, according to Kotak, has prepared him well for the step up to the senior Indian team.
"If required, somebody should be able to bowl four or five overs, or even three or four overs, whatever is needed. He has scored a couple of fifties for India A and can bowl. He has performed well in the IPL and white-ball cricket, so good luck to him," Kotak added.
