Badoni Replaces Injured Washington in India’s ODI Squad Against New Zealand
In a recent development, Indian allrounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand due to a rib injury. The injury occurred during the first ODI held at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Washington sustained discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling, and subsequently walked off the field midway through the New Zealand innings.
Although he did return to bat at No. 8, his condition led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to announce his withdrawal from the series. In his place, uncapped batter Ayush Badoni has been called up to join the ODI squad.
Details on Washington Sundar’s Injury
Washington Sundar’s performance included bowling five overs for 27 runs before being sidelined. The BCCI confirmed that he would undergo additional scans to assess the extent of his injury and to seek expert medical opinions.
Ayush Badoni Joins the ODI Squad
Ayush Badoni, a 26-year-old batter, is making his debut in international cricket. Having played 27 List A matches, he holds an average of 36.47, which includes one century and five fifties. Primarily focused on batting, Badoni is preparing for flexible roles, including lower-order batting and contributing with off-spin bowling.
- Badoni’s bowling record in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy:
- Overs bowled: 22 in three innings
- Wickets taken: 4
- Bowling average: 19.75
- Economy rate: 3.59
- Batting success: His century was scored while batting at No. 5.
- Experience: Played 56 games for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Injury Concerns in the Indian Squad
Washington Sundar is not the only player affected by injuries. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also been ruled out of this ODI series due to a side strain he suffered last week. Additionally, Tilak Varma will be unavailable for the first three T20 matches following surgery for a groin injury.
Upcoming Matches
Following the first ODI, India and New Zealand will continue their series with matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18. This series will be succeeded by a five-match T20I series, setting the stage for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for February and March.
