IND vs NZ ODI / Washington Sundar Ruled Out of New Zealand ODI Series, Ayush Badoni Gets Maiden Call-Up

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the India vs New Zealand ODI series due to an injury sustained in the first match. Ayush Badoni has been named as his replacement, marking his first call-up to the national team.

The Indian cricket team has suffered a significant blow following the first One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand. Star all-rounder Washington Sundar sustained an injury during the opening encounter, which has unfortunately ruled him out of the remaining two matches of the series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed this development and has also announced a replacement player for Sundar, while this incident poses a concern for Team India, especially after starting the year with a victory.

First ODI Outcome and Sundar's Injury

In the first ODI played in Baroda, the Indian team secured a four-wicket victory over New Zealand, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the win was a morale booster for the team, Washington Sundar's injury during the match dampened the celebrations. Initially, his injury was assessed, and once it was confirmed that he wouldn't. Be able to play the next match, he was ruled out of the series. The BCCI officially announced on Monday, a day after the match, that Sundar has been withdrawn from the ODI series.

Ayush Badoni's Maiden Call-Up

Following Washington Sundar's unfortunate exit, young all-rounder Ayush Badoni has received his maiden call-up to the Indian team, while this marks a significant opportunity for Ayush, who has made a name for himself through his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been asked to join the team immediately. The second match of the series is scheduled for January 14 in Rajkot, and Badoni will travel directly to Rajkot. Although the chances of him making it into the playing eleven are considered low, being part of the national squad itself is a major achievement.

Badoni's Impressive Track Record

Ayush Badoni's consistent and impressive performances in both domestic cricket and the IPL have brought him to the attention of national selectors, while looking at his statistics, in first-class cricket, he has scored 1681 runs in 21 matches, including four centuries and seven half-centuries. In List A cricket, he has accumulated 693 runs in 27 matches, with one century and five half-centuries to his name. In the T20 format, Badoni has scored 1788 runs in 96 matches, hitting 10 half-centuries. These figures highlight his batting prowess and consistency across formats.

The Road Ahead and Badoni's Future

The Indian team is now gearing up for the remaining two matches of the series against New Zealand. Washington Sundar's absence will be felt, as his experience and all-round capabilities are valuable assets. For Ayush Badoni, this will be a crucial learning experience, even. If he doesn't get a chance to step onto the field. The team management and selectors will be closely monitoring his progress, and it will be interesting to see if he gets an opportunity to make his international debut in the future.

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Washington Sundar ruled out of #INDvNZ ODI series; Ayush Badoni receives maiden call-up.

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 12, 2026