Uncapped batter Ayush Badoni earned a surprise maiden call-up to India’s ODI squad on Monday after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remaining two matches against New Zealand because of a rib injury.
Washington sustained the injury while bowling during the series opener in Vadodara on Sunday. The 26-year-old completed five overs for 27 runs before leaving the field midway through the New Zealand innings and did not return to field.
Despite the discomfort, Washington later walked out to bat at No. 8 as India registered a four-wicket victory.
Confirming the development, the BCCI said, “India all-rounder Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday.”
“He will undergo further scans, following which the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion. Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches.”
The board added, “The Men's Selection Committee has named Ayush Badoni as his replacement. Badoni will link up with the squad in Rajkot (the game is on Wednesday), the venue for the second ODI.”
Badoni’s inclusion in the national squad means he will miss Delhi’s quarterfinal clash against Vidarbha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Also read: Washington Sundar ruled out of ODI series against NZ
Primarily a batter who bowls off-spin, Badoni has captained Delhi and served as deputy to Rishabh Pant during the team’s most recent Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. The 26-year-old rose to prominence through his performances for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, where he played under the mentorship of current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
While Badoni boasts an impressive first-class batting average of 57.96, his List A record has been relatively modest. He averages 36.47 in 27 matches and has contributed more with the ball than the bat in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh highlighted the work Badoni has put into his off-spin over the past year.
“He bowls at least 30 balls in every practice session after batting in the nets. He realises that he needs to improve his off-spin to make a strong case as an all-rounder who can fit into the Indian team,” Sarandeep said.
“He has improved as a bowler considerably over the last 12 months. He is getting wickets for us regularly, he is a very smart cricketer and learns quickly.
“His off-spin turns sharply and he has a good carrom ball and arm ball as well,” the former India spinner said.
Washington is the third Indian player to be sidelined by injury in the ongoing series. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out with a side strain, while Tilak Varma is unavailable for the first three T20Is against New Zealand following groin surgery.
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