Ayush Badoni Gets Surprise Call-Up to Team India; Coach Explains Selection Over Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh

Amid India’s ongoing series against New Zealand, Ayush Badoni has been drafted into the national squad, raising eyebrows and sparking debates about the team’s selection choices. Many questioned why players like Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh were overlooked.

Why Was Ayush Badoni Selected?
India’s team management has clarified that Badoni’s inclusion was prompted by Washington Sundar’s injury. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, ahead of the second ODI, explained the rationale behind the decision. “Badoni has performed impressively in opportunities with India A as well as in the IPL,” Kotak said. “He is a suitable replacement for Washington Sundar, as he is also a handy right-arm off-break bowler.”

Kotak added, “He is in form and performing consistently. He has played some one-day matches for India A with good results. While selections are ultimately decided by the selectors, any team would want a sixth bowling option when a player like Washington is unavailable. If we only have five bowlers and one gets injured in the fourth or fifth over, who will bowl the remaining overs? Having a player like Badoni provides flexibility—sometimes he can contribute more as a bowler, sometimes as a batting option who can bowl occasionally.”

Badoni’s Career So Far
Looking at his List A career, Badoni has featured in 27 matches, scoring 693 runs at an average of 36.47 with a strike rate above 93. He has hit one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of 100. On the bowling front, he has taken 18 wickets at an average of 29.72 and an economy rate of 4.54, with best figures of 3/29.

During India A’s tour of South Africa last year, Badoni scored a half-century (66 runs) in the second unofficial ODI. In the matches he bowled, he gave away 15 runs in 4 overs and 43 runs in 7 overs without taking a wicket. On Australia A’s tour of India, he picked up three wickets in two games at an average of 16.33 and contributed 21 runs in one innings.

Badoni’s all-round abilities in batting and bowling, along with his strong performances in domestic and IPL cricket, have positioned him as a reliable option for Team India as they continue their campaign against New Zealand.