3 reasons why Ayush Badoni replacing Washington Sundar for IND vs NZ 2026 ODIs is the wrong move

The Indian selection committee named Delhi cricketer Ayush Badoni as a replacement for the injured all-rounder Washington Sundar for the rest of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Sundar suffered a side strain during the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, and bowled only five overs in the match. His injury raised concerns soon after the game.

Skipper Shubman Gill said in the post-match presentation that Sundar was taken for scans. Sundar also looked uncomfortable while batting, which suggested that he would miss the second and third ODIs. On Monday, January 12, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sundar was ruled out of the series.

The BCCI then named Ayush Badoni as his replacement, which came as a surprise to many. While Badoni is a talented player, his selection has raised questions about team balance and experience. On that note, here are three reasons why Ayush Badoni replacing Washington Sundar for the IND vs NZ 2026 ODI series is the wrong move.

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1. Completely different skill sets

Ayush Badoni, a right-handed batter who bowls part-time off-spin, does not match the skill set of Washington Sundar. The two players are very different in profile. Badoni is mainly a batting all-rounder, while Sundar is known more for his bowling and control in the middle overs. This makes the replacement a clear mismatch in roles.

Although Badoni’s bowling has improved, it is doubtful whether he can provide the same control and consistency as Sundar. Sundar’s ability to bowl tight lines, restrict batters, and use drift and bounce effectively adds a different dimension. Badoni, on the other hand, comes across as a more regular off-spinner without the same impact.

India have also used Sundar as a left-handed batter at No. 5 in recent ODIs, showing a clear plan. Badoni’s selection sends mixed signals, as he has mostly batted lower down the order in List A cricket due to senior players occupying middle-order spots. In T20 cricket as well, he has played a different role, often higher up the order.

2. There were much better and more suitable options

Badoni’s selection cannot be justified by a lack of alternatives. The selectors had several better and more suitable options who fit the team’s needs and long-term plans. Bringing in another similar type of player only adds to the confusion around team balance.

Players like Axar Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, or even Tanush Kotian would have been more logical choices. Axar and Shahbaz were both in good form in the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, bowled regularly, and are comfortable batting at No. 5 as left-handers.

Despite good performances, Axar Patel has missed the last two ODI series, while Shahbaz Ahmed was earlier picked as a replacement during the South Africa T20I series. This unclear selection pattern and lack of a fixed order are not helping Team India.

3. Ayush Badoni’s recent form is not convincing

If Badoni had been in outstanding form, the selectors’ decision might have been easier to understand. However, his recent performances do not suggest that he was an automatic choice for the Indian ODI side ahead of more experienced players.

He ended 2025 with a decent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 206 runs in seven innings at an average of 29.42 and a strike rate of 135.52. However, his 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign has been disappointing, with only 16 runs in three innings, and he did not bat in two of his last five List A matches.

His recent dismissals have come against wrist spinners, similar to the kind of bowlers he could face against New Zealand. This further raises doubts about his readiness for the ODI level at this stage.