Ayush Badoni's India Call-up Questioned: 'Found Him To Be Lacking Grit Against...'

Delhi cricketer Ayush Badoni has received a maiden India ODI call-up after Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury that prematurely ended his participation in the ongoing New Zealand series. The uncapped Badoni first came to the limelight while representing Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 and since then has become an indispensable part of the franchise under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, who later left for Kolkata Knight Riders before joining the Indian cricket team as its head coach in 2024.

He averages 36.47 from 27 List A games in which he has scored 693 runs including a century and five fifties. The 26-year-old has also played 21 first-class matches and 96 T20s. However, not everyone is impressed with his selection, with former Gujarat

batter Priyank Panchal noting how Badoni ‘lacks grit’ against international bowlers.

“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,” Panchal posted on 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 tho. #INDvNZ

— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) January 12, 2026

Primarily a batter, Badoni also bowls off-spin, has captained Delhi and was vice-captain to Rishabh Pant in Delhi’s ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign where they have made it to the quarter-finals. However, the call-up means Badoni will miss the knockout clash against Vidarbha slated to be played on Tuesday.

Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh says Badoni has been consistently working on his bowling.

“He (Badoni) bowls at least 30 balls in every practice session after batting in the nets,” Sarandeep told news agency PTI. “He realises that he needs to improve his off-spin to make a strong case as an all-rounder who can fit into the Indian team,” Sarandeep said. “He has improved as a bowler considerably over the last 12 months. He is getting wickets for us regularly, he is a very smart cricketer and learns quickly. His off-spin turns sharply and he has a good carrom ball and arm ball as well.”

Sundar suffered a rib injury during the first ODI held in Vadodara. India went on to win the contest by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The second match will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday (January 14).