Former India opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has been left baffled by Delhi's Ayush Badoni's selection for the ODI series against New Zealand as an injured Washington Sundar's replacement. Srikkanth has alleged favouritism in the selection process. He feels that the yardsticks for selection in the Indian squad are not the same for everyone.
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“For some, you are told to score runs. But for some, you are picked even if you don’t do anything,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Badoni does not have vast experience in List A cricket. He wondered why performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are given weightage while picking a player for the ODI format.
“Can anyone remind me of one significant knock?” Srikkanth asked.
“He can’t take the match away from you,” he added.
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Badoni has made it into the side as Riyan Parag is injured. Srikkanth does not believe that Badoni deserves the all-rounder tag. He questioned his ability to bowl.
“Just because he took three wickets in a game, you’re calling him an all-rounder,” Srikkanth said, referring to his performance against Railways in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Srikkanth jumped to the conclusion that Badoni got his maiden call-up because he was picked and player for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) when current India coach was the franchise's mentor.
“I think he played for LSG, had a mentor there, and that’s why he is in the team now,” he said.
Kotak on why Badoni got the call
Meanwhile, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, in the pre-match press conference explained why Badoni is being considered Sundar’s like-for-like replacement.
"He’s been playing and performing and he’s played for India A. Normally, no team would go with five bowlers. If we had an injured Washy and only five bowlers in the last game, who would have completed those overs?" Kotak said.
"So we need to have somebody who can bowl those 4-5 overs and that’s why he has been selected," he added.