Ayush Badoni’s ODI break sparks debate, fans slam Gautam Gambhir

Ayush Badoni’s first-ever call-up to India’s ODI squad for the remaining two matches against New Zealand has ignited a fierce debate among fans and experts alike. The young all-rounder was drafted into the team after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the series due to an acute rib injury sustained during the opening ODI. While the change was enforced, the choice of Badoni as Sundar’s replacement has not gone down well with a section of cricket followers.

Much of the criticism has been directed at India head coach Gautam Gambhir, with allegations of favouritism quickly surfacing. Skeptics argue that Badoni’s selection is difficult to justify based purely on his List A record. In 22 innings, the 26-year-old has scored 693 runs at an average of 36.47, with one century and five half-centuries. With the ball, the off-spinner has taken 18 wickets at an average of 29.72, respectable numbers but not ones that clearly demand an international call-up.

Adding fuel to the debate is Badoni’s modest showing in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, where he has managed just 16 runs from three innings, averaging only eight. These figures have left many fans questioning whether the timing of his promotion to the national side is premature.

However, a deeper look at Badoni’s recent performances across formats presents a more balanced picture. In IPL 2025, he impressed with the bat for Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 329 runs in 11 innings at a healthy strike rate of 148.19, while also contributing with a couple of wickets. His red-ball form has also been encouraging, as he accumulated 218 runs from five innings in the Ranji Trophy, including three half-centuries, and chipped in with seven wickets.

Badoni’s domestic season was further highlighted by a standout showing in the Duleep Trophy, where he emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 307 runs from just three innings, averaging an astonishing 153.50. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, he continued to underline his all-round credentials by scoring 206 runs and claiming six wickets.

Gautam Gambhir, known for backing players he believes have the temperament and skill to succeed at the highest level, appears to have placed similar faith in Badoni. Gambhir’s earlier support for players like Harshit Rana, who later justified his selection with consistent ODI performances, has strengthened the argument that the coach values potential and mindset alongside statistics.

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Having worked closely with Badoni during their time together at LSG, Gambhir may see qualities in the youngster that are not immediately reflected in traditional numbers. Still, the perception of bias persists among fans, many of whom believe the selection favours players associated with Gambhir’s former domestic teams or IPL franchises.

Whether Badoni’s inclusion proves to be a masterstroke or reinforces doubts over selection transparency will ultimately depend on how he performs if given an opportunity at the international level. For now, his ODI call-up remains one of the most talked-about decisions of the series.