India’s decision to include Ayush Badoni in the squad for the final two One-Day Internationals against New Zealand centers on team balance and contingency needs rather than recent batting performance. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak elucidated this rationale following an injury to Washington Sundar.
Sundar was sidelined for the remainder of the series due to acute discomfort in his left lower rib area, suffered while bowling during the opening ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. His absence prompted the management to reassess the bowling lineup, highlighting the requirement for additional bowling support.
Despite a challenging outing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he accumulated just 16 runs across five matches at an average of eight, Badoni’s all-round capabilities played a crucial role in his selection. He recently demonstrated his bowling skills for Delhi against Railways, taking three wickets for 30 runs in a 10-over spell, contributing significantly to a six-wicket victory in Alur.
Kotak emphasized the need to avoid entering matches with a depleted bowling attack, particularly after already losing one player to injury. “He’s been playing and performing and has played for India A. Normally, no team would go with five bowlers; if we had an injured Washy and only five bowlers in the last game, who would have completed those overs?” Kotak stated during a pre-match press conference.
He added that Badoni’s ability to bowl a few overs offers essential insurance throughout a long ODI. “So we need to have somebody who can bowl those 4-5 overs and that’s why he has been selected,” Kotak explained.
In addition to his domestic experience, Badoni has gained valuable exposure at the franchise level in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since joining the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022, he has played 56 matches, amassing 963 runs from 46 innings at an average of 26.75 and a strike rate of 138.56. His IPL accomplishments include six half-centuries, with a top score of 74, providing him with experience against both international teammates and rivals.
