Arshdeep Singh to Sit Out, Ayush Badoni to Make Debut: India’s Playing XI for 2nd ODI vs New Zealand

India will face New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday, with a potential change in the playing XI. India had won the first ODI in Vadodara by four wickets, and a victory in Rajkot would secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Washington Sundar Ruled Out

All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs after sustaining an injury while bowling in the first match. Sundar’s absence has opened the door for a new inclusion in the Indian squad.

Ayush Badoni Set to Debut

Delhi’s 26-year-old Ayush Badoni has been named as Sundar’s replacement and is expected to make his ODI debut on Wednesday. Last year, Sundar had batted at number five during India’s home series against South Africa, and he was slated for the same position against New Zealand. His injury prompted the team management to promote Ravindra Jadeja up the order in the first ODI.

Badoni Fits the Role Perfectly

India needed a number five batsman who could also contribute with the ball. Badoni fits the bill, offering left-arm spin along with solid batting credentials. Alternatives like Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder, or Dhruv Jurel, a wicketkeeper-batsman, were considered, but Badoni is expected to get the nod. Reddy’s inclusion would have added an extra pacer, which the team management deemed unnecessary, while Jurel cannot contribute with the ball, making him a less practical choice.

In domestic cricket, Badoni has outshone Reddy with the bat and can chip in with crucial overs. In Delhi’s last match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 against Railways, he picked up three wickets. Apart from this change, the Indian management is not expected to make any further alterations to the playing XI. Consequently, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will remain on the bench.

India’s Probable Playing XI vs New Zealand (2nd ODI, Rajkot):
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ayush Badoni, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna