Ayush Badoni Receives Maiden India Call-Up as Washington Sundar Ruled Out with Rib Injury

Ayush Badoni: In a significant development ahead of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, uncapped all-rounder Ayush Badoni has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian national team. The 26-year-old Delhi cricketer replaces Washington Sundar, who has been ruled out of the remaining two matches due to a rib injury sustained during the first ODI in Vadodara.

Washington Sundar’s Unfortunate Injury

The Indian all-rounder endured a painful outing during the series opener on January 11, 2026, when he experienced acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling. Sundar, who had bowled five economical overs conceding just 27 runs, was forced to leave the field midway through New Zealand’s innings and could not return to fielding duties.

Displaying remarkable courage, the Chennai-born cricketer batted at number eight despite the evident pain, contributing to India’s thrilling four-wicket victory. However, subsequent medical scans revealed the severity of the injury, confirming his unavailability for the second and third ODIs.

This setback adds to India’s growing injury concerns in recent months, with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also having missed action earlier in the season.

Who is Ayush Badoni?

Badoni’s surprise selection represents a fairy-tale moment for the right-handed batter who has been knocking on the national team’s door with consistent domestic performances. The Delhi cricketer has made a name for himself through impressive displays in the Indian Premier League, representing Lucknow Super Giants under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir.

The versatile cricketer brings more than just batting prowess to the table. His right-arm off-spin bowling adds valuable depth to India’s spin options, making him a handy all-round prospect for captain Shubman Gill.

At 26, Badoni’s journey from domestic cricket to the national squad reflects his dedication and perseverance. His ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes IPL matches has clearly caught the selectors’ attention, and now he gets the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.

India’s Squad for Remaining ODIs

With Badoni’s inclusion, India’s 15-member squad for the second and third ODIs in Rajkot appears well-balanced despite the injury setback:

• Batting: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), Ayush Badoni
• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel
• All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

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What’s Next?

Badoni will join the squad in Rajkot ahead of Wednesday’s second ODI, where India will look to extend their series lead. The match presents an opportunity for the debutant to potentially make his international bow, though competition for places remains fierce.

For Washington Sundar, the focus shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. The all-rounder’s absence creates a void in India’s spin-bowling department, particularly his ability to contribute crucial runs in the lower middle order.

As India continues their preparations for the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on whether Badoni receives his cap and how he handles the pressure of international cricket. His selection underscores the selectors’ faith in rewarding domestic consistency and provides fresh impetus to India’s campaign against New Zealand.

The second ODI is scheduled for January 15, 2026, in Rajkot, where fans will eagerly await to see if Badoni can translate his IPL success into international cricket.