By Admin 
The second ODI match to be played between India and New Zealand in Rajkot on Wednesday is going to be special in many ways. By winning the first match, Team India has already taken a 1-0 lead in the series. If the Indian team captained by Shubman Gill also wins the second match, then it will gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. In such a situation, the team management will focus on fielding a strong and balanced playing eleven.
However, before the second ODI, Team India has also suffered a setback. All-rounder Washington Sundar is out of the series due to injury. He suffered from side strain while bowling in the first ODI played in Vadodara. After this, on the advice of the medical team, he has been given rest for the remaining two matches. Sundar’s absence has started a new discussion regarding the team combination.
Chance for a new face to replace Sundar
After Washington Sundar’s exclusion, the Indian team has included 26-year-old Ayush Badoni in the ODI squad. Now there is every possibility that Badoni may get a chance to make his ODI debut for India in Rajkot. Team India needs a batsman at number 5 who can help in bowling along with scoring runs. Badoni seems to fit into this role.
Why Badoni is the Strongest Choice
Ayush Badoni has been consistently performing well in domestic cricket. He contributed with both bat and ball for Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. In the match against Railways, he also showed his all-round ability by taking wickets at important moments. He has the option of off-spin bowling, which can prove useful on the Rajkot pitch.
The team also has options like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Dhruv Jurel. However, Reddy is a fast bowling all-rounder and the team is already planning to go with three fast bowlers. At the same time, Jurel is a wicketkeeper-batsman and does not bowl, due to which the balance of the team can be disturbed. In such a situation, it is almost certain that Badoni will get priority.
Team India does not seem to be in the mood for any major changes for the second ODI. This clearly means that left arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh may once again remain out of the playing eleven.
India’s probable playing eleven
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ayush Badoni, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.