Ayush Badoni earned his maiden call-up to Team India for the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand, replacing all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was ruled out due to discomfort in his left lower rib while bowling during the first ODI. The selection sparked criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir, with fans alleging favouritism.

Questions over Badoni’s inclusion stem from his modest List A record, where in 22 innings he has scored 693 runs at an average of 36.47, with one century and five half-centuries, alongside 22 wickets at an average of 23.50. His recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 performance was underwhelming, with just 16 runs from three innings.

However, Badoni has shown promise elsewhere. In IPL 2025, he scored 329 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 148.19 and took two wickets. In the Ranji Trophy, he amassed 218 runs from five innings, including three half-centuries, and claimed seven wickets. Earlier in the Duleep Trophy, he was the fourth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 307 runs at an average of 153.50 with a century and a fifty. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, he added 206 runs and six wickets across seven innings, highlighting his credentials as a genuine all-rounder.

Gautam Gambhir, who has a history of backing players he spots potential in—like Harshit Rana—likely identified Badoni’s talent from his time with Lucknow Super Giants. Despite the coach’s confidence, fans have continued to question the selection, accusing him of bias toward players from his former domestic or IPL affiliations.