Overview
- Washington Sundar was ruled out of the New Zealand ODI series with an acute rib issue suffered in the first match, according to the BCCI.
- Selectors handed Ayush Badoni his maiden India call-up as Sundar’s replacement, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak citing the need for a sixth bowling option and his India A and IPL experience.
- At the toss for the second ODI in Rajkot, India named fast‑bowling all‑rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in the XI, meaning Badoni’s debut will have to wait.
- Former chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth publicly alleged favoritism linked to head coach Gautam Gambhir’s past LSG association, while other commentators questioned why alternatives like Axar Patel or Ruturaj Gaikwad were overlooked.
- Reports highlighted Badoni’s record of roughly 693 List A runs at 36.47 with 18 wickets and 963 IPL runs in 56 matches as context for the debate over his selection.