Ayush Badoni Receives First Call-Up to Team India Amid Washington Sundar's Absence
Ayush Badoni's Selection for Team India
New Delhi, January 13: Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has shared his thoughts on the selection of Delhi's Ayush Badoni for the Indian cricket team, which comes as Washington Sundar is sidelined during the ongoing series against New Zealand. Chopra acknowledged that while Badoni's selection might be seen as an "unpopular choice," he has demonstrated effective spin bowling for Delhi.
With Sundar unavailable for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand, Badoni has seized the opportunity for his inaugural call-up to the national team. Although his batting performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been modest, with only 15 runs across three innings, his bowling has been commendable. He recorded impressive figures of 3/30 in 10 overs against Railways, 1/28 in seven overs against Services, and 0/21 in five overs against Gujarat.
On his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked, "With Washington Sundar out, Ayush Badoni has stepped in. The selection committee likely sought a direct replacement, which wasn't available. Badoni has bowled extensively and has been economical in his spells for India A and Delhi during the Vijay Hazare Trophy," he explained.
Chopra further noted, "This selection might be viewed as slightly unpopular since he hasn't yet crossed the 1,000-run mark in List A cricket. His wicket tally is also modest, which might lead some to question his selection. However, he has shown potential."
In his 27 List A matches, Badoni has accumulated 693 runs at an average of 36.47, boasting a strike rate exceeding 93, including a century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 100. He has also claimed 18 wickets at an average of 29.72 and an economy rate of 4.54, with best bowling figures of 3/29.
During last year's South Africa A tour to India, Badoni scored a half-century, making 66 in the second unofficial ODI, alongside bowling figures of 0/15 in four overs and 0/43 in seven overs across two matches.
Chopra also mentioned that all-rounder Riyan Parag was not selected due to his recent return from a lengthy injury during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Rinku Singh was overlooked as he is primarily a batter who bowls occasionally. "You may wonder why Riyan Parag or Rinku Singh weren't considered. Riyan has just returned from a significant injury layoff, and while Rinku has been bowling more, he is fundamentally a batter," he stated.