India’s ODI series against New Zealand has taken an unexpected turn after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remaining matches due to injury. In his place, young all-rounder Ayush Badoni has received his first-ever ODI call-up, creating excitement among fans and cricket experts alike.
Let’s break down what happened, why the change matters, and what it means for Team India going forward.
What Exactly Happened to Washington Sundar?
During the first ODI at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, Washington Sundar felt sudden pain in his left lower rib area while bowling. The discomfort was serious enough for the team management to consult the medical staff immediately.
According to the official update, Sundar will undergo detailed scans and expert medical assessment. To avoid further risk, the BCCI has ruled him out of the remaining two matches of the series.
Why Did the Selectors Choose Ayush Badoni?
With Washington Sundar unavailable, the Men’s Selection Committee opted to bring in Ayush Badoni, a player who has shown strong performances in domestic cricket and franchise leagues.
Badoni’s selection reflects:
- Trust in young Indian talent
- A long-term vision for India’s middle order
- His ability to contribute as a batting all-rounder
This is a major breakthrough moment for Badoni, as he prepares to join the squad in Rajkot ahead of the second ODI
How Does This Change Impact Team India?
Washington Sundar’s absence slightly affects India’s spin-bowling depth and lower-order stability. However, with experienced names like Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, India still maintains a strong balance.
Ayush Badoni’s inclusion adds:
- Fresh energy
- Flexibility in team combinations
- A chance to test bench strength before future tournaments
| Role | Players |
|---|
| Captain | Shubman Gill |
| Vice-Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Batters | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Wicketkeepers | KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ayush Badoni |
| Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana |
Questions Fans Are Asking (Q&A)
❓ Why is Washington Sundar not playing the remaining ODIs?
Washington Sundar suffered a left lower rib injury while bowling in the first ODI. As a precaution, he has been ruled out of the series.
❓ Will Washington Sundar need surgery?
At this stage, there is no confirmation of surgery. He is undergoing scans and expert medical evaluation.
❓ Is Ayush Badoni making his international debut?
Yes, this is Ayush Badoni’s maiden call-up to the Indian ODI squad.
❓ Where will Ayush Badoni join the team?
Badoni will join the squad in Rajkot, the venue for the second ODI.
❓ Does this affect India’s chances in the series?
India remains strong with experienced players. This change is more about player rotation and opportunity rather than weakness.
The latest squad update in the India vs New Zealand ODI series once again highlights how quickly situations can change in international cricket. Washington Sundar being ruled out of the ODI series is undoubtedly a setback, especially given his growing importance as a reliable all-rounder in limited-overs formats. His ability to control the middle overs and contribute handy runs lower down the order will be missed in the remaining matches.
At the same time, Ayush Badoni’s maiden ODI call-up reflects India’s strong bench strength and the selectors’ willingness to reward consistent domestic performers. Opportunities like these often become turning points in a player’s career, and Badoni will be eager to make a strong impression if given a chance in the playing XI.
From a broader perspective, such changes also help the team management test combinations and build depth ahead of future international tournaments. With experienced leaders guiding the squad, young players can settle in without excessive pressure.
As the series progresses, fans will closely monitor both India’s on-field performance and updates on Washington Sundar’s recovery. For now, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and making the most of the talent available.
External Link
- India vs New Zealand Live Cricket Score — 1st ODI: India Win by 4 Wickets to Take 1-0 Lead in Vadodara:11 Jan 2026
- india won first odi vs newzealand
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