The Delhi batter, Ayush Badoni, believes that taking the bowling for the last couple of years has proved to be a turning point in his career, as it helped him evolve into an all-rounder and earn his maiden call-up to the national side. Badoni was added to the three-match ODI series as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar, who was ruled out due to an injury. 

The series is locked at 1-1, with the decider scheduled to be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Badoni didn’t feature in the playing XI for the second ODI, which the blue brigade lost at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Badoni hopes of getting a chance in the side during the third ODI decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

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“I was with the Delhi team, I was captain there, and our next-day match was the quarter-finals against Vidarbha. That’s when I got to know about it. Priyansh was my roommate, so I told him that this could happen, and I’ll be going, so maybe you’ll be the captain. That was a great feeling, and I feel very grateful and happy that I got this opportunity.” Badoni expressed while speaking on his selection in a video on the BCCI.

Ayush Badoni reflects on India’s maiden call-up during New Zealand series

Badoni has smashed an overall 693 runs in 22 innings of the List-A cricket at an average of 36.47 and a strike rate of 93.27, with the help of five half-centuries and one century at the best score of 100.

See the video here: 

That 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝘂𝗽 feeling ✨

🎥 🔽 Hear from Ayush Badoni on his dream come true moment, sharing the dressing room with greats, and his rise as an all-rounder 👏 - By @RajalArora#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/m3UXB8t4zT

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2026

“I got a call late at night, so I couldn’t tell them. It was announced in the morning, that’s when they got to know, and they were also very happy and proud. All the coaches and the players were very welcoming to me, and I really liked it. I’ve played with and against most of them, so it was nice to meet everyone again.” Badoni addressed.

“Preparation was very clear. Earlier, I used to bat, but for the last two years, I’ve been focusing a lot on my bowling. I always feel that I can take wickets and contribute to the team with my bowling. So I got the benefit of being an all-rounder. I’ve bowled a lot for Delhi, taken wickets, and benefited from it.” The LSG batter shed light.