Overview
- Ayush Badoni received his maiden ODI call-up to replace Washington Sundar, who was ruled out of the final two matches with a rib injury sustained in the first ODI at Vadodara.
- Kotak said India wanted a sixth bowling option and pointed to Badoni's India A and IPL performances, casting him as a middle-order batter who can deliver a few off-spin overs if needed.
- Kris Srikkanth alleged favouritism linked to head coach Gautam Gambhir’s past association with Badoni at LSG, a charge voiced on Srikkanth’s YouTube channel and not supported by official comment.
- Aakash Chopra described the pick as slightly unpopular yet understandable, noting Badoni’s economical off-spin for Delhi and citing List A returns of 693 runs and 18 wickets.
- Commentary highlighted alternatives such as Nitish Kumar Reddy for a more predictable all-round option or even an extra seamer like Arshdeep Singh, and it remains uncertain whether Badoni will play the second ODI in Rajkot.