Ayush Badoni’s India Call-Up: More Than Just a Replacement
On a quiet Monday, January 12, 2026, a dream came true for a young cricketer from Delhi. Ayush Badoni received his Ayush Badoni India call-up, stepping into the national spotlight as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand . But this isn’t just a story of a lucky break; it’s a testament to an extraordinary, self-imposed grind that most fans never see.
Table of Contents
- The Path to Selection: Filling Big Shoes
- The Secret Grind: 40 Balls After Every Batting Session
- Beyond the Bat: The All-Rounder India Needs
- Domestic Dominance: The Stats That Spoke Volumes
- Conclusion: A Call-Up Earned, Not Given
- Sources
The Path to Selection: Filling Big Shoes
Washington Sundar’s injury opened a door, but Ayush Badoni had already spent years building the key to walk through it. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needed a like-for-like replacement—an all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball—and Badoni’s name was at the top of the list . His consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the List A format where he boasts an impressive average of 38.57, made him a compelling choice . This wasn’t a random pick; it was a calculated decision based on a proven track record of reliability and versatility.
The Secret Grind: 40 Balls After Every Batting Session
The real magic behind Badoni’s rise lies in his obsessive dedication to his bowling. While many know him as a solid middle-order batsman, his coach, Sarandeep Singh, revealed a secret ritual that set him apart. “He bowls at least 30 balls in every practice session after batting in the nets,” Singh shared, highlighting Badoni’s commitment to mastering his off-spin . Another source put it even more vividly: “Even after long batting sessions, he would pick up the ball and bowl seven overs, sometimes even more” . This relentless focus on a skill that wasn’t his primary strength is what transformed him from a good domestic player into a genuine all-rounder worthy of the national jersey. It’s this specific, daily discipline—bowling those extra 40 balls—that became the cornerstone of his Ayush Badoni India call-up.
Beyond the Bat: The All-Rounder India Needs
Badoni’s value extends far beyond his individual stats. He brings a tactical intelligence to the game that’s rare. As the captain of the Delhi side, he has shown a knack for managing his bowling resources effectively, once famously using 11 different bowlers in a single Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match . This strategic mind, combined with his ability to chip in with crucial wickets, offers the Indian team a flexible option in the middle overs. In an era where the role of the all-rounder is more critical than ever, Badoni presents a unique package: a dependable batsman who can also break partnerships with his deceptive off-spin.
Domestic Dominance: The Stats That Spoke Volumes
His selection wasn’t built on potential alone, but on a mountain of consistent domestic performances. Across formats, Badoni has been a pillar for his teams. In First-Class cricket, he holds a stellar batting average of over 65, showcasing his ability to build long innings . In the shorter List A format, which closely mirrors ODI cricket, he has accumulated 540 runs at that aforementioned 38.57 average, proving he can handle the pressure of the 50-over game . His experience in the high-octane environment of the IPL with the Lucknow Super Giants has also sharpened his skills against the world’s best, giving him the confidence to step onto the international stage.
Conclusion: A Call-Up Earned, Not Given
Ayush Badoni’s maiden India call-up is a powerful reminder that success in sport is rarely accidental. It’s the direct result of unseen hours of hard work, a willingness to improve a perceived weakness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. While he steps in as a replacement, he carries with him the weight of his own ambition and the proof of his dedication. For aspiring cricketers everywhere, his story is a blueprint: master your craft, then master another. His journey from the domestic nets to the Indian dressing room is an inspiration, proving that the path to the top is paved with 40 extra balls, every single day.
Sources
- Times of India: ’40 balls daily daalne hain, batting ke baad’: How Ayush Badoni earned maiden India call-up
- BCCI Official Announcement on Washington Sundar’s injury and Ayush Badoni’s call-up
- [[12], [13]] Various media reports on Ayush Badoni’s training regimen and coach interviews
- [[18], [28]] ESPNcricinfo and other statistical databases for Ayush Badoni’s domestic cricket records