Team India Explains Ayush Badoni’s Selection After Washington Sundar Injury

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Team India management have addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the selection of Ayush Badoni for the final two ODIs against New Zealand, following Washington Sundar's injury. The Delhi all-rounder was drafted into the squad as a replacement, sparking discussions among fans and experts who advocated for alternatives like Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak defended the choice during a pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI, emphasizing Badoni's consistent performances and suitability as a like-for-like replacement.

Kotak highlighted Badoni's strong showings for India A in recent one-day matches, where he has scored fifties and contributed with the ball, alongside his impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL). "He has been playing, he has been performing... For any common man, when Washington is out, you cannot normally go with only five bowlers," Kotak explained. He stressed the importance of having a sixth bowling option in the squad, particularly an all-rounder capable of delivering three to five overs when needed, to maintain balance in the team composition.

Badoni brings solid credentials to the role. In 27 List A matches, the 22-year-old has amassed 693 runs at an average of 36.47 and a strike rate exceeding 93, including one century and five fifties, with a highest score of 100. With the ball, he has claimed 18 wickets at an average of 29.72 and an economical rate of 4.54. His recent India A exploits include a 66 in the second unofficial ODI against South Africa Last year, along with economical bowling spells, he took three wickets during Australia A's tour to India.

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In the IPL, representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Badoni has featured in 56 matches, scoring 963 runs across 46 innings at an average of 26.75 and a brisk strike rate of 138.56, with six fifties and a top score of 74. His ability to anchor the middle order while offering useful right-arm off-breaks aligns closely with Washington Sundar's skill set, making him a strategic fit for the white-ball setup.

The selection, overseen by chief selector and head coach Gautam Gambhir, reflects a focus on rewarding domestic and developmental form. As the series against New Zealand progresses, all eyes will be on Badoni to justify the faith placed in him and silence critics with impactful contributions in the remaining ODIs.

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