Ayush Badoni Earns Maiden India ODI Call-Up as Washington Sundar Replacement

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batsman Ayush Badoni has received his maiden call-up to the senior Indian ODI squad, replacing the injured Washington Sundar for the remaining matches against New Zealand. Sundar was ruled out after sustaining an acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI in Vadodara.

Badoni’s selection signals that the team management is actively grooming the young Delhi batter for future roles, a sentiment echoed by former domestic stalwart Priyank Panchal. Badoni has been a consistent performer for LSG since the franchise’s inception, featuring in 56 IPL matches and scoring 963 runs at a strong strike rate of 138.56, including six half-centuries.

While Panchal noted that Badoni still needs to develop "grit against international quality," the call-up validates the immense promise he has shown in domestic and franchise cricket. Badoni joins the squad fresh off performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where his off-spin bowling was also utilized, offering the team a potential all-round option if he gets a chance in the playing XI.