The entry of Ayush Badoni in the Indian cricket team has created a lot of uproar and once again head coach Gautam Gambhir has come into the limelight.
Gautam Gambhir has been accused of bias and facing heavy criticism after including Ayush Badoni in place of injured Washington Sundar in the Indian team for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand.
Ayush Badoni’s first ODI call-up sparks bias controversy, Gautam Gambhir again under criticism
The Delhi player was included in the Indian team for the first time after all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury, due to which he was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand at home.
This decision has triggered strong questions and sharp criticism against Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Badoni first came into limelight during IPL 2022 while playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, he had some strong numbers behind him in youth cricket.
Also read: Revealed: Why was Axar Patel not selected in place of Washington Sundar for New Zealand ODI?
Under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir at LSG, the right-handed batsman gradually became an important part of the IPL franchise. Even after Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and later became the head coach of India in 2024, Badoni continued to receive his support at LSG.
Bad numbers and form under investigation
This connection between Badono and Gambhir is the main reason why many are questioning the replacement call. However, the major reason behind the criticism is Badoni’s List A numbers. He has so far played 22 innings in List A cricket and scored 693 runs at an average of 36.47.
The 26-year-old player 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 ODI tournament made fans even more skeptical. However, Badoni had a good IPL 2025 season, where he scored 329 runs in 11 innings at a strong strike rate of 148.19. He also took two wickets. He also performed well in Ranji Trophy this season.
Gautam Gambhir stuck to his instincts!!
Badoni scored 218 runs including three half-centuries and also took seven wickets in five innings for Delhi. Earlier, he was also one of the top performers in Duleep Trophy. He finished as the fourth highest run-scorer with 307 runs at a huge average of 153.50 in just three innings.
Also read: Gautam Gambhir accused of bias, Shubman Gill-Washington Sundar dispute worsens
He was even impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, scoring 206 runs and taking six wickets in seven innings, proving that he can contribute with both bat and ball. Well, Gambhir has a history of supporting players after seeing something special in them.
A clear example of this is Harshit Rana, who Gambhir trusted and supported despite heavy criticism, and the Delhi pacer has now started paying off his trust in the head coach. Now, Gambhir feels that Badoni also has the same kind of potential.
Gautam Gambhir faces heat as Priyank Panchal questions Ayush Badoni’s preparation
Yet many people criticized Gambhir for this call. Former Gujarat batsman Priyank Panchal has openly raised questions on Badoni’s preparation for international cricket. He admitted that Badoni has talent and talent but he struggles when facing top quality international bowlers in the IPL.
Panchal posted,
Interesting to see Badoni’s selection. It is clear that he is being groomed for this role with India A selection as well. Full of immense potential, unfortunately I found him to lack the patience to match the international quality in the IPL. Hope his series will be very good. #INDvNZ
– Priyank Panchal (@PKPanchal09) 12 January 2026
