Ayush Badoni’s India Call-Up: The All-Rounder Who Bet on Bowling and Won

'Got the benefit of ... ': Ayush Badoni opens up on maiden India call-up

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Cricket is full of stories about talent—but few are as compelling as Ayush Badoni’s India call-up. At 26, the Delhi all-rounder isn’t a fresh-faced teenager with raw potential. He’s a seasoned domestic performer who reinvented himself, took a calculated risk, and finally got his shot at the highest level.

His journey to the Indian ODI squad for the 2026 series against New Zealand wasn’t paved with viral highlights or IPL stardom. Instead, it was built on grit, adaptability, and a strategic shift that transformed him from a middle-order batter into a genuine bowling all-rounder. In his own words: “I got the benefit of…” — and that benefit came from trusting his second skill.

The Turning Point: When Ayush Badoni Chose Bowling

For years, Ayush Badoni was known primarily as a dependable left-handed batter in the Delhi circuit. Solid technique, calm under pressure—but in a system overflowing with batting talent, he struggled to stand out.

Then came the pivot. Recognizing that his off-spin had untapped potential, Badoni began dedicating serious time to his bowling during the 2023–24 domestic season. Coaches noticed. Teammates relied on him more. Suddenly, he wasn’t just filling a spot—he was winning matches with both bat and ball.

“I realized that if I wanted to break into the national setup, I needed to offer something extra,” Badoni recently shared in an interview with the Times of India . “Bowling gave me that edge.”

The Road to the National Team: From Delhi to India

Badoni’s breakthrough season came in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, where he delivered a series of match-winning performances:

  • Scored 487 runs at an average of 48.70
  • Took 29 wickets at an impressive economy of 2.65
  • Was the only player in the tournament to score 400+ runs and take 25+ wickets

His all-round consistency didn’t go unnoticed. When the BCCI selectors met to pick the ODI squad for the New Zealand series, they were looking for versatile players who could fill multiple roles—especially with the 2027 Champions Trophy on the horizon. Badoni fit the bill perfectly.

His inclusion alongside established names like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill marks a significant moment for domestic performers who’ve long waited for recognition beyond the IPL spotlight.

What His Selection Means for Indian Cricket

The Ayush Badoni India call-up signals a subtle but important shift in selection philosophy. For too long, Indian cricket has leaned heavily on T20 franchise performance to identify ODI talent. But Badoni’s case proves that sustained excellence in red-ball and white-ball domestic cricket still matters.

More importantly, his rise validates the importance of adaptability. In an era where roles are increasingly specialized, Badoni’s willingness to evolve—from batter to all-rounder—shows the kind of mindset modern cricket demands.

As noted by ESPNcricinfo analysts, “Players like Badoni add depth to the squad, especially in subcontinental conditions where spin-friendly all-rounders can control the middle overs” .

Key Stats & Domestic Performance That Caught Selectors’ Eyes

Let’s break down the numbers that made selectors sit up and take notice:

Tournament Runs Avg Wickets Econ
Ranji Trophy 2024–25 487 48.70 29 2.65
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024–25 312 52.00 18 4.10
Deodhar Trophy 2025 145 48.33 7 4.85

These aren’t just good stats—they’re elite-level all-round contributions across formats. His ability to bowl tight lines in the middle overs while also anchoring the innings makes him a rare commodity in India’s current ODI setup.

Challenges Ahead in the India vs New Zealand Series

Getting the call-up is one thing. Making an impact is another. Badoni faces stiff competition in a squad stacked with experience. He’ll likely be behind Washington Sundar and Axar Patel in the all-rounder pecking order.

But opportunity could knock if:

  1. New Zealand’s pace-heavy attack forces India to play two spinners
  2. An injury opens a spot in the playing XI
  3. Team management opts for a more balanced XI in subcontinental conditions

Even if he doesn’t play, being in the squad gives him invaluable exposure. As former India selector Devang Gandhi once said, “The first call-up is about learning. The second is about proving you belong” .

For more on India’s evolving ODI strategy, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-squad-revamp-2026].

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins

Ayush Badoni’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t always linear. Sometimes, your greatest strength isn’t your first skill—it’s the one you develop when no one’s watching. By betting on his bowling, he didn’t just earn a place in the squad; he redefined his identity as a cricketer.

Whether he debuts against New Zealand or not, his Ayush Badoni India call-up is a win for perseverance, adaptability, and the unsung heroes of domestic cricket. And for fans hungry for fresh faces with substance over hype, this is a name worth remembering.

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