Ayush Badoni Steps Up as Sundar Out of New Zealand ODIs

India’s ODI series against New Zealand has hit a snag for one player, but it’s a dream come true for another. Washington Sundar, the 26-year-old all-rounder, is out of the remaining two matches with a left lower rib injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on January 12, 2026, just hours after India’s four-wicket win in the series opener. Stepping into his shoes is Delhi’s Ayush Badoni, earning a maiden India call-up. This unexpected turn means Badoni gets a shot on the national stage.

Sundar’s Injury and a Determined Finish

The injury bug bit Sundar during the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. He was bowling his off-spin, five overs in, when he felt acute discomfort in his left lower rib. He had to leave the field, a tough moment for any player.

But Sundar, a fighter, wasn’t done. He came back to bat at number 8. It was a tight chase, India needing runs. He stayed unbeaten on 7 off 7 balls, alongside KL Rahul. They got India over the line with six balls and four wickets to spare. A dropped catch off his bat by New Zealand’s Adithya Ashok in the 48th over gave him a lifeline, and he made it count.

India captain Shubman Gill mentioned post-match that Sundar had a side strain and would get scans. His determination helped win the game, but it cost him the series. Sundar said it was “fun” and he owed it to his younger self, always wanting to win for the team, as reported by Times of India. Now, he’s focusing on recovery.

Ayush Badoni: A Deserved Maiden Call-Up

This is a big moment for Ayush Badoni. He’s a 26-year-old right-hand batter and right-arm off-spin bowler from Delhi. His selection isn’t a surprise to those following domestic cricket. The man’s been putting in the work.

Badoni has a first-class batting average of 57.96. In List A matches, it’s 36.47 across 27 games. His Delhi coach, former India cricketer Sarandeep Singh, pushed him to bowl more. “I told him last year that while he is a very good batter, he must bowl at least seven overs after every batting session before going home. He accepted that challenge without any hesitation,” Singh told Hindustan Times.

And Badoni delivered, honing his off-spin. He even captains Delhi in Ranji Trophy and was Rishabh Pant’s deputy in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That’s leadership experience. Badoni got the call-up during practice, a moment he shared with Singh.

Delhi District Cricket Association officials praise his attacking approach and ability to shift gears. Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship has apparently helped his growth too. He’s a proper all-round prospect, filling a similar role to Sundar.

India’s Squad Depth and the Road Ahead

India’s squad is dealing with injuries. Rishabh Pant was out earlier with a side strain, replaced by Dhruv Jurel. Now Sundar. It highlights the demanding schedule but also India’s bench strength. Shubman Gill, the captain, talked about rotating players.

He mentioned Arshdeep Singh doing well in the last series and Mohammed Siraj not being there. It’s about managing players, especially with limited ODIs before big tournaments.

The revised squad for the remaining ODIs looks like this:

India leads the series 1-0. They chased down 301 in 49 overs, thanks to Gill, Virat Kohli, and that vital partnership between Rahul and Sundar. The second ODI is on January 14, 2026, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

Badoni is already on his way to Rajkot, according to NDTV Sports. It’s a big test for India’s depth, and a huge opportunity for Badoni to show what he can do on the international stage. This series is important for momentum. No doubt about it.