IND vs NZ: Revealed - Why Ayush Badoni was named as Washington Sundar's replacement for last two ODIs?

BCCI faced a lot of criticism over the decision to name Ayush Badoni as Washington Sundar’s replacement in IND vs NZ ODI series.

India’s squad selection for the ongoing IND vs NZ ODI series has sparked debate after Ayush Badoni was named as the replacement for injured all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sundar suffered a rib injury during the 1st ODI, which ruled him out of the remainder of the series.

With Sundar getting ruled out, young Delhi all-rounder Ayush Badoni received his maiden ODI call-up for the remaining two matches. While several experts and fans questioned Badoni’s inclusion over other established all-round options, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has now clarified the team management’s thinking behind the move.

Speaking ahead of the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI, Kotak stressed the importance of having a sixth bowling option in the playing XI. He said it is something that the team could not afford to compromise on. He explained that while Sundar is a genuine all-rounder, the team sometimes has to rely on batters who can also chip in with a few overs.

“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,” Kotak said.

Ayush Badoni’s domestic and India A performances back his selection – Sitanshu Kotak

Ayush Badoni has been one of the consistent performers in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 26-year-old is currently Delhi’s Ranji Trophy captain and has played a crucial role for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Badoni has also been a regular feature in India A squads, particularly in white-ball cricket. His List-A record further strengthens his case, with close to 700 runs at an average of 36.47 and a healthy strike rate of 93.27. These numbers reflect his ability to balance aggression with stability, a trait highly valued in modern ODI cricket.

Kotak further highlighted Badoni’s all-round ability, pointing out that even part-time bowling options are crucial in tight situations.

“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.

With India looking to build bench strength and test young talent ahead of major ICC tournaments, Badoni’s inclusion could be a strategic move rather than a stop-gap option. Whether he makes it into the playing XI for the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI remains to be seen, but the team management appears confident in his ability to deliver when given the opportunity.

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