The first ODI match between India and New Zealand was played on 11 January in Vadodara. Washington Sundar got injured while bowling in that match. In his place, 26-year-old Ayush Badoni has been included in the Indian squad for the remaining 2 ODI matches. Ayush Badoni has been selected in Team India for the first time, but due to this decision, head coach Gautam has come under serious criticism.

Gautam Gambhir is being accused of bias. Fans have raised many questions on social media whether Ayush Badoni deserved to be selected in Team India? Actually, the reason for the anger of the fans is the figures of Ayush Badoni, which have not been good in recent times.

Didn’t do anything amazing, still got selected

It takes years for players to make a place in Team India. Despite consistently performing well, many times some talented cricketers are not able to enter the Indian squad. On the other hand, Ayush Badoni’s List A figures are not indicating any amazing performance. So far he has scored 693 runs in 27 List A matches, and his average is 36.47.

Ayush Badoni has got a chance to bat thrice in the last five List A matches. He has scored only 16 runs in these 3 innings. His performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was below average, yet questions are bound to be raised about his selection in Team India.

Gautam Gambhir is showing favoritism

Gautam Gambhir is being heavily criticized on social media. While trolling him, a person wrote that under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, the bias within the Indian team has increased beyond limits. The same person further wrote that Gambhir likes Ayush Badoni very much, that is why despite his poor performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he got selected in Team India. Some people linked the selection of Ayush Badoni with LSG, because both have been part of the Lucknow Super Giants team.

Favoritism in Indian cricket has gone to the next level these days under the leadership of GAUTAM GAMBHIR.

The whole of India knows how much Gautam Gambhir supports Ayush Badoni and now he got India A call up, with garbage level VHT performances.

Who Next? Saini, Nitish?

— Ankit (@CricCrazyAnkit) January 13, 2026

Yes, Ayush Badoni and Gautam Gambhir worked together in the IPL. Gambhir served as mentor for Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023, where Badoni played and credited him for support during his debut. Gambhir later moved to KKR. pic.twitter.com/mYVVYzt5Jt

— Star (@thestargame888) January 12, 2026

Ayush Badoni has been the blue eyed boy of Gautam Gambhir since his LSG mentor days. I don’t think he deserves a place in the Indian team at the moment. But having said that, good luck to him!

— RP (@rajprem1) January 13, 2026

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