Ayush Badoni has been called up to replace Washington Sundar for the remaining India vs New Zealand ODI series. Badoni, 26, is uncapped at the international level but has played 27 List A matches, averaging 36.47 with one hundred and five fifties. He primarily bats in the middle order and can bowl a few overs of offspin. He has also played 56 IPL matches for Lucknow Super Giants.
Washington Sundar was ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand after hurting his left lower rib during the first match in Vadodara. He bowled five overs for 27 runs before leaving the field and later came out to bat at No. 8 despite discomfort. The BCCI will do scans and get expert advice on his injury.
This injury adds to India’s fitness issues, as Rishabh Pant is already out of the ODI series with a side strain, and Tilak Varma will miss the first three T20Is due to groin surgery. The next ODIs are in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, followed by five T20Is leading up to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Fans expected a like-for-like replacement, suggesting Axar Patel, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, or Riyan Parag instead. Badoni had a strong second half of 2025, played for India A against South Africa A scoring 66 in his only innings and has IPL experience with Lucknow Super Giants, but his current Vijay Hazare Trophy form is poor, scoring only 15 runs in five games.
The decision has sparked debate on social media, and all eyes will be on how Badoni performs in the series.
Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Remaining India vs New Zealand ODIs After Side Strain
Washington Sundar was ruled out of India’s remaining two India vs New Zealand ODIs after suffering a side strain during the first match at Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The injury occurred while he was bowling, and he could only complete five overs, conceding 27 runs.
Despite the discomfort, Sundar came out to bat at No. 8 later in the innings, scoring seven not out and adding 27 runs in a 16-ball partnership with KL Rahul, helping India win the match by four wickets. He was visibly struggling, especially while running between the wickets.
At the post-match press conference, Harshit Rana confirmed that Sundar will be assessed further by the BCCI medical team. The BCCI is expected to name a replacement for Sundar soon, with uncapped batter Ayush Badoni eventually brought in as cover.
India Beat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in 1st ODI, Take 1-0 Series Lead
In the first ODI, India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand’s innings saw half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, and Henry Nicholls. For India, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana took two wickets each. India reached the target with four wickets remaining. The second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14.
FAQs
Q. Why is Washington Sundar out of the India vs New Zealand ODI series?
A. Washington Sundar suffered a side strain during the first ODI in Vadodara.
Q. Who is replacing Washington Sundar in the ODI series?
A. Ayush Badoni has been called up as his replacement.
Q. What is Ayush Badoni’s cricket experience?
A. Ayush Badoni has played 27 List A matches with an average of 36.47, scored one hundred and five fifties, and has played 56 IPL matches for Lucknow Super Giants.
Q. When will the remaining ODIs be played?
A. The next ODIs are in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, 2026.
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