Uncapped all-rounder Ayush Badoni was on Monday named as a replacement for Washington Sundar in India’s squad for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand after the latter was ruled out due to a rib injury.
Washington sustained the injury during the series opener in Vadodara on Sunday. The 26-year-old bowled five overs for 27 runs before walking off the field midway through New Zealand’s innings and did not return to field. Despite the discomfort, he came out to bat at No. 8 as India clinched a four-wicket victory.
“India all-rounder Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“He will undergo further scans, following which the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion. Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches,” it added.
The BCCI further said the Men’s Selection Committee has named Ayush Badoni as his replacement. Badoni will join the squad in Rajkot, the venue for the second ODI scheduled on Wednesday.
Badoni’s inclusion in the national squad means he will miss Delhi’s quarterfinal clash against Vidarbha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Primarily a batter who bowls off-spin, the 26-year-old has captained Delhi and served as deputy to Rishabh Pant during the team’s recent Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. He rose to prominence through his performances for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, where he played under the mentorship of current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
While Badoni boasts an impressive first-class batting average of 57.96, his List A numbers are relatively modest, averaging 36.47 from 27 matches. However, he has made notable contributions with the ball in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh highlighted Badoni’s growth as an off-spinner over the past year.
“He bowls at least 30 balls in every practice session after batting in the nets. He realises that he needs to improve his off-spin to make a strong case as an all-rounder,” Sarandeep said.
“He has improved considerably as a bowler over the last 12 months. His off-spin turns sharply and he has a good carrom ball and arm ball as well,” the former India spinner added.
Washington is the third Indian player to be sidelined by injury during the ongoing series. Earlier, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out with a side strain, while Tilak Varma is unavailable for the first three T20Is against New Zealand following groin surgery.
