Indian cricket has a new story to celebrate as Ayush Badoni has been named in the India ODI squad for the New Zealand series, marking his first-ever call-up to the national ODI team. The 26-year-old all-rounder has been drafted in as a replacement for Washington Sundar, who has been ruled out after suffering a groin strain in the opening ODI at Vadodara.
Badoni is set to join the Indian camp in Rajkot, where the second ODI of the series will be played. This selection reflects the team management’s growing trust in players who have shown consistency across domestic cricket and the IPL.
Why Ayush Badoni Was Picked
Selectors moved quickly after Washington Sundar injury, opting for Ayush Badoni due to his all-round skill set, calm temperament, and recent domestic form. Badoni offers flexibility as a middle-order batter, a part-time off-spinner, and an athletic fielder, making him a like-for-like replacement in terms of balance.
Having matured over the last few seasons, Badoni’s selection is seen as a reward for sustained performances rather than a one-off opportunity.
Ayush Badoni – Player Profile (January 2026)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 years |
| Date of Birth | 3 December 1999 |
| Role | Right-hand batter, Off-spin all-rounder |
| Domestic Team | Delhi |
| IPL Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
| ODI Status | Set to make debut |
Domestic & IPL Performance Snapshot
Ayush Badoni has steadily built his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter who can accelerate when required and contribute with the ball.
Key Career Highlights
| Tournament | Notable Performance |
|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | Career-best 205* in 2024 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 | Vice-captain for Delhi, key lower-order runs |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 | Led Delhi, impactful finisher |
| IPL (2022–2025) | 600+ runs, multiple match-winning knocks |
His ability to handle pressure situations, especially in white-ball cricket, played a major role in his selection.
What This Means for Team India
With the ODI World Cup cycle underway, India’s focus is on building depth and bench strength. Badoni’s inclusion signals a shift towards rewarding domestic consistency and IPL adaptability. Team management will be keen to see how he transitions to the international stage, especially in a high-profile series.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series – Updated Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI | 14 January 2026 | Rajkot | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | 18 January 2026 | Indore | 1:30 PM |
Badoni is expected to be available for selection starting from the second ODI.
From domestic grind to IPL consistency and now an India call-up, Ayush Badoni’s rise has been steady and earned. With eyes on his potential ODI debut in Rajkot, fans and experts alike are eager to see whether he can make an immediate impact on the international stage.
