Overview
- Washington Sundar was ruled out of the New Zealand ODI series with a rib/side injury sustained in the first match in Vadodara.
- Ayush Badoni received a maiden ODI call-up as Sundar’s replacement, but India named Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI for the second ODI in Rajkot.
- Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak defended Badoni’s inclusion by stressing the need for a sixth bowling option and pointing to his India A outings and IPL experience.
- Former selector Kris Srikkanth accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of favouritism due to Badoni’s LSG association and argued alternatives such as Axar Patel, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Nitish Reddy were more suitable.
- Aakash Chopra called the pick a slightly unpopular choice, noting Badoni’s economical off-spin for Delhi and India A involvement, while debate continued over like-for-like replacements.