Ayush Badoni’s entry into the Indian cricket team has created a lot of noise, and yet again, head coach Gautam Gambhir has found himself in the spotlight.
Gautam Gambhir has been accused of favoritism and is facing massive backlash after Ayush Badoni replaced injured Washington Sundar in the Indian squad for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand.
Ayush Badoni’s maiden ODI call-up sparks favouritism row, Gautam Gambhir under fire again
The Delhi lad earned his maiden Indian call-up after the all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury, which ruled him out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand at home.
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This decision has triggered loud questions and sharp criticism against Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Badoni first made the headlines during the IPL 2022 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, he had some strong numbers behind him in youth cricket.
Read Also: Revealed: Why Axar Patel wasn’t named Washington Sundar’s replacement for New Zealand ODIs?
Under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship at the LSG, the right-handed batter slowly became an important part of the IPL franchise. Even after Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and later became India’s head coach in 2024, Badoni continued to enjoy his backing at the LSG.
Poor numbers and form under scanner
This connection between Badono and Gambhir is the main reason why many are questioning the replacement call. However, the big reason behind the criticism is Badoni’s List A numbers. So far, he has played 22 innings in List A cricket and scored 693 runs at an average of 36.47.
The 26-year-old has one century and five half-centuries to his name. With the ball, the off-spinner has taken 22 wickets at an average of 23.50. Even in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Badoni has so far scored only 252 runs in 9 matches at an average of 28.00.
This poor form in India’s main domestic one-day tournament made fans even more doubtful. However, Badoni had a good IPL 2025 season, where he managed 329 runs in 11 innings at a strong strike rate of 148.19. He also picked up two wickets. He also did well in the Ranji Trophy this season.
Gautam Gambhir sticks to his instincts!!
Badoni scored 218 runs, including three half-centuries, and also took seven wickets in five innings for Delhi. Earlier, in the Duleep Trophy, he was one of the top performers. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer, scoring 307 runs in just three innings at a massive average of 153.50.
Read Also: Gautam Gambhir charged with favouritism as Shubman Gill-Washington Sundar controversy turns ugly
Even he was also impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, scoring 206 runs from seven innings and taking six wickets, proving that he can contribute with both bat and ball. Well, Gambhir has a history of backing players once he sees something special in them.
One clear example is Harshit Rana, who was trusted and backed by Gambhir despite the heavy criticism, and the Delhi pacer has now started paying off his trust in the head coach. Now, Gambhir seems to believe Badoni has the same kind of potential.
Gautam Gambhir faces heat as Priyank Panchal questions Ayush Badoni’s readiness
Yet many slammed Gambhir for the call. Former Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal has openly questioned Badoni’s readiness for international cricket. He admitted that Badoni has talent and promise, but he struggles when facing top-quality international bowlers in the IPL.
Panchal posted, X: “Interesting to see Badoni’s selection. It’s clear he is being groomed for the role with the India A selection too. Filled with immense promise, I’ve unfortunately found him to be lacking the grit against international quality in the IPL. Hope he has a great series, though. #INDvNZ”
Interesting to see Badoni’s selection. It’s clear he is being groomed for the role with the India A selection too. Filled with immense promise, I’ve unfortunately found him to be lacking the grit against international quality in the IPL. Hope he has a great series tho. #INDvNZ
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) January 12, 2026