Ayush Badoni has received his first India call up after being named as Washington Sundar’s replacement for the remaining ODI matches against New Zealand. The decision surprised you because the two players offer very different skill sets.
Why Sundar was ruled out
Washington Sundar was ruled out due to a side strain. He is a bowling all rounder who usually operates in the middle overs and adds depth with the bat. Because of this, you expected a similar replacement.
Selectors take a different route
Instead, selectors picked Ayush Badoni, who is primarily a middle order batter. He bowls off spin occasionally but is not a regular bowling option. This made the call up harder for many fans to accept.
Role planned for Badoni
The team management appears to see Badoni as a No.5 or No.6 batter. You may also see him bowl a few overs if required. The focus seems more on batting balance than bowling depth.
Fans react on social media
The decision did not go down well with fans online. Many questioned why Axar Patel was ignored despite his strong international record and experience in similar conditions.
Other names raised by fans
Several fans felt in-form players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan deserved a chance after domestic performances. Riyan Parag was also mentioned repeatedly.
Strong criticism from supporters
One fan asked why Badoni received an India call up when Axar has already performed for the team. Others called Ruturaj’s omission unfair. You can clearly see frustration over selection consistency.
Recent performances add to debate
Badoni recently played for India A against South Africa A, scoring 66 in the third unofficial ODI. However, his Vijay Hazare Trophy form has been poor, with just 15 runs in five matches.
Focus shifts to on-field results
Attention now shifts to how India use Badoni in the remaining matches. You will soon see whether this gamble pays off in the IND vs NZ ODI series.
Washington Sundar ruled out of #INDvNZ ODI series; Ayush Badoni receives maiden call-up.
isn’t Sarfaraz Khan deserves the place first ? Gambhir seriously has problem with SK.
— Opinion Matters (@Bindas_Banda_) January 12, 2026
BADONI ADDED IN TEAM INDIA SQUAD.
– Ayush Badoni has replaced Washington Sundar in the ODI squad against New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/XAocppH2lD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 12, 2026
So they have dropped Ruturaj Gaikwad from the team for Ayush Badoni.
Unreal politics in the Indian cricket team. pic.twitter.com/RPOep02ljt
— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) January 12, 2026
