A bold Indian team selection is rare enough; however, the selection process occasionally crosses “bold” and “what?” when you are unsure of the decision being made. Washington Sundar’s unfortunate injury to his side during the first One Day International match against New Zealand in Vadodara has led the selectors to make a reactive decision; as a result, the reaction has caused more head-scratching than confidence. After clutched at his left lower rib area after bowling just five overs, Washington Sundar was visibly uncomfortable while batting, which prompted scans and ultimately ruled him out for the remaining two matches.
A Like-for-Unlike Tactical Swap
Washington Sundar isn’t just an all-rounder; he’s a specific solution. His left-arm spin offers control in the middle overs, his height generates bounce, and his economy rate historically allows captains to attack from the other end. Sundar’s ODI role has quietly evolved into a left-handed No.5 who can bowl 6–8 overs without bleeding runs.
Badoni, by contrast, is a batting-first cricketer who happens to bowl. His off-spin lacks the drift, defensive consistency, and matchup value Sundar brings, especially against right-heavy batting lineups like New Zealand’s. This isn’t a judgment on Badoni’s talent; it’s a question of role fidelity. India didn’t replace a Sundar-type player; they replaced him with a different cricketing species altogether.
Missed Opportunity Amid Better Fits
What we find puzzling is not which player was picked on the team, but rather how so many other players were omitted from being selected. Despite consistently performing well in domestic competitions (for example, the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy), Axar Patel continues to be one of the most baffling players, in that he has been continually omitted from ODIs. Much like Axar, Shahbaz Ahmed is another left-arm spin bowling all-rounder who possesses both good form and recent international experience, having last received a call-up to play in the T20i series while India toured South Africa.
Even a left-field option like Tanush Kotian would have made more structural sense. Instead, India has doubled down on ambiguity, stocking similar profiles while neglecting role clarity. Selection isn’t just about depth; it’s about hierarchy. Right now, India’s ODI all-rounder pecking order looks more like a suggestion box than a strategy.
Form That Doesn’t Demand Selection
Selectors often justify surprise picks by pointing to irresistible form. That argument simply doesn’t apply here. Badoni’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy numbers 206 runs at an average of 29.42 and a strike rate of 135.52 are respectable but hardly door-breaking. His List A returns are more concerning: just 16 runs in three innings in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, and no batting opportunity in two of his last five matches.
Even more worrying is the pattern of dismissals repeatedly undone by wrist spin. With New Zealand likely to deploy bowlers like Adithya Ashok and Jayden Lennox, the matchup doesn’t scream readiness. Selection should reward momentum; this one feels more like a speculative investment made at the wrong time.
Key Takeaway
India didn’t lose Washington Sundar’s body; they lost his role, and never truly replaced it.
FAQs
- What injury ruled Washington Sundar out of the series?
An acute side strain in his left lower rib area sustained during the first ODI.
- Why is Ayush Badoni’s selection controversial?
His skill set doesn’t match Sundar’s role as a spin-bowling, left-handed all-rounder.
- How could India have handled the replacement better?
By choosing a like-for-like option, such as Axar Patel or Shahbaz Ahmed, to preserve balance.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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