Rajkot, Jan 13 (UNI) India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Tuesday said batting-allroundr Ayush Badoni has been called up for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand to provide crucial bowling depth after India allrounder Washington Sundar was ruled out due to injury.
Sundar sustained acute discomfort in his left lower rib while bowling during the first ODI at BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday, forcing the team management to make adjustments.
Badoni, who has struggled with the bat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, was selected to ensure India does not go in with a five-bowler combination.
“He’s been playing and performing and he’s played for India A. Normally no team would go with five bowlers. If we had an injured Washy and only five bowlers in the last game, who would have completed those overs?” Kotak told reporter on the eve of second ODI against New Zealand. “So, we need to have somebody who can bowl those 4-5 overs and that’s why he has been selected.”
Badoni has gained valuable experience in the Indian Premier League, representing Lucknow Super Giants since 2022. In 56 matches, he has scored 963 runs in 46 innings at an average of 26.75 and a strike rate of 138.56, including six half-centuries, with a highest score of 74.
India made an impressive start to the series with a thrilling four-wicket win, chasing 301. Virat Kohli led the innings with 93 off 91 deliveries, supported by half-centuries from Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
Earlier, India bowlers restricted New Zealand to 300 for 8, with Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna taking key wickets.
