Aakash Chopra Questions Ayush Badoni’s Selection for India vs New Zealand ODIs
The Indian cricketing world is abuzz after Ayush Badoni received his maiden senior ODI call-up in the ongoing India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI series, replacing the injured Washington Sundar for the second and third matches. While many have welcomed the Delhi batter’s rise, former India opener Aakash Chopra has publicly questioned the rationale behind the decision, noting that Badoni “hasn’t scored even 1,000 runs in List-A cricket.” The remark has sparked a wider debate around merit, performance, and India’s team selection policy.
Badoni’s opportunity emerged after Washington Sundar sustained a rib injury during the first ODI in Vadodara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequently confirmed that Sundar would miss the remaining fixtures of the three-match series. The injury occurred while he was bowling and ultimately ruled him out, prompting selectors to draft Badoni into the squad travelling to Rajkot for the second ODI.
For Badoni, the call-up marks a significant milestone, as it is his first inclusion in India’s 50-over setup. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, particularly in the first-class format. He has amassed 1,681 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average close to 58, including multiple centuries and a double hundred. Badoni also offers off-spin bowling, adding all-round value - an aspect selectors likely considered alongside his batting credentials.
However, when it comes to List-A cricket, effectively the domestic 50-over format his record is more modest. Across 27 matches, Badoni has accumulated 693 runs at an average of around 36, with a solitary century and several fifties, alongside 18 wickets. It is against this backdrop that Chopra and others have questioned whether his inclusion is justified purely on performance in the format that most closely resembles the ODI game.
Critics further argue that Indian selectors may be placing disproportionate weight on first-class and T20 performances, or even perceived familiarity with key figures - most notably Gautam Gambhir. Badoni worked closely with Gambhir during his stint at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Gambhir is now India’s head coach. Some commentators and social media voices suggest that a strong IPL profile and existing professional relationships may have influenced the decision.
Supporters of Badoni’s selection, however, point to his all-round skill set and experience in domestic and India A matches, where he has shown promise against quality opposition. They argue that Badoni brings balance to the squad, offering both batting depth and off-spin options qualities that mirror Washington Sundar’s role and make him a logical like-for-like replacement, especially with limited options in the current squad.
The discussion reflects a recurring dilemma for India’s selection committee: striking the right balance between current form, long-term potential, and team composition. With only two ODIs remaining in the India vs New Zealand 2026 series, much will depend on whether Badoni features in the playing XI and how he performs if given the opportunity. A strong debut could quieten critics and strengthen India’s bench for future tours, while a subdued showing may reopen calls for more conventional selection benchmarks.
Badoni’s opportunity emerged after Washington Sundar sustained a rib injury during the first ODI in Vadodara. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequently confirmed that Sundar would miss the remaining fixtures of the three-match series. The injury occurred while he was bowling and ultimately ruled him out, prompting selectors to draft Badoni into the squad travelling to Rajkot for the second ODI.
For Badoni, the call-up marks a significant milestone, as it is his first inclusion in India’s 50-over setup. The 26-year-old has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, particularly in the first-class format. He has amassed 1,681 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average close to 58, including multiple centuries and a double hundred. Badoni also offers off-spin bowling, adding all-round value - an aspect selectors likely considered alongside his batting credentials.
However, when it comes to List-A cricket, effectively the domestic 50-over format his record is more modest. Across 27 matches, Badoni has accumulated 693 runs at an average of around 36, with a solitary century and several fifties, alongside 18 wickets. It is against this backdrop that Chopra and others have questioned whether his inclusion is justified purely on performance in the format that most closely resembles the ODI game.
Critics further argue that Indian selectors may be placing disproportionate weight on first-class and T20 performances, or even perceived familiarity with key figures - most notably Gautam Gambhir. Badoni worked closely with Gambhir during his stint at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Gambhir is now India’s head coach. Some commentators and social media voices suggest that a strong IPL profile and existing professional relationships may have influenced the decision.
Supporters of Badoni’s selection, however, point to his all-round skill set and experience in domestic and India A matches, where he has shown promise against quality opposition. They argue that Badoni brings balance to the squad, offering both batting depth and off-spin options qualities that mirror Washington Sundar’s role and make him a logical like-for-like replacement, especially with limited options in the current squad.
The discussion reflects a recurring dilemma for India’s selection committee: striking the right balance between current form, long-term potential, and team composition. With only two ODIs remaining in the India vs New Zealand 2026 series, much will depend on whether Badoni features in the playing XI and how he performs if given the opportunity. A strong debut could quieten critics and strengthen India’s bench for future tours, while a subdued showing may reopen calls for more conventional selection benchmarks.
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