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Aakash Chopra Calls Ayush Badoni's India Call-Up "Slightly Unpopular"

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has commented on Ayush Badoni's maiden call-up to the Indian team for the New Zealand ODI series, replacing the injured Washington Sundar. Chopra termed the selection a "slightly unpopular" choice, noting Badoni's lack of prolific run-scoring in List A cricket. He highlighted that the selection committee likely valued Badoni's economical bowling for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as a like-for-like replacement. Chopra also explained why alternatives like Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh were not considered for the spot.

Key Points: Chopra on Badoni's India Call-Up: A Slightly Unpopular Choice

  • Badoni replaces injured Washington Sundar
  • Chopra notes economical bowling as key factor
  • List A stats: 693 runs, 18 wickets
  • Parag, Rinku Singh were other options
3 min read

"Slightly unpopular....": Aakash Chopra on Badoni's maiden India call-up

Aakash Chopra analyzes Ayush Badoni's maiden India selection, calling it a "slightly unpopular" but economical all-round pick for the NZ series.

"It could be a slightly unpopular choice because he hasn't scored even 1,000 runs in List A cricket. - Aakash Chopra"

New Delhi, January 13

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra commented on Delhi youngster Ayush Badoni's maiden call-up to Team India in the absence of all-rounder Washington Sundar in the ongoing New Zealand series, saying that it could be an "unpopular choice" but he has been "economical" while bowling his useful spin bowling for Delhi.

While Sundar is all set to miss out on the remaining two ODIs against New Zealand, it was Badoni's gain as he got his first-ever India team call-up. While the batter has not been able to bat much for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring just 15 runs in three innings, he has bowled some useful spells for Delhi, with a brilliant 3/30 in 10 overs against Railways, 1/28 in seven overs against Services and 0/21 in five overs against Gujarat.

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Chopra said, "Washington Sundar is not there. So Ayush Badoni has come in his place. I think the Indian selection committee was looking for a like-for-like replacement, and that is not available. Ayush Badoni bowled a lot and batted for India A. He is also bowling for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is economical," Chopra said.

"So the selection committee went for Ayush Badoni. It could be a slightly unpopular choice because he hasn't scored even 1,000 runs in List A cricket. He does not have those many wickets, seeing which you would say he has broken the door and come in," he added.

In 27 List A appearances so far, he has made 693 runs at an average of 36.47, with a strike rate of over 93, with a century and five fifties and best score of 100. He has also taken 18 wickets at an average of 29.72 and an economy rate of 4.54, with best figures of 3/29.

During the South Africa A tour to India last year, Badoni had registered a half-century, a knock of 66 in the second unofficial ODI and had spells of 0/15 (four overs) and 0/43 (seven overs) in two matches he played.

Also, Aakash said that all-rounder Riyan Parag could not make it because of him returning after a long injury layoff during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Rinku Singh missed out because he is a "batter who bowls occasionally".

"You might be wondering why Riyan Parag couldn't have come, or why Rinku Singh couldn't have been thought about. Riyan Parag has just started coming back after a very long injury layoff. Another middle-order batter was available in the form of Rinku Singh. Although he has started bowling a lot now, he is not basically a bowler. He is a batter who bowls occasionally," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I'm a bit confused. With so much talent in domestic cricket, picking someone with under 1000 List A runs feels like a gamble. What about the consistent performers? Hope it works out, but the selection logic seems thin.
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Priyanka N
As a Delhiite, I'm thrilled for Ayush! 🎉 He's been a hard worker for Delhi. Stats aren't everything; sometimes you need the right player for the right situation. His bowling in the middle overs could be very handy. Best of luck to him!
R
Rahul R
Chopra's analysis is spot on. They needed a like-for-like for Sundar, and Badoni fits the bill as a batting all-rounder who bowls spin. Parag is coming back from injury, Rinku is more a batter. In the context of the series, this makes sense. #TeamIndia
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Aryan P
Respectfully, I disagree with this call. We have Shahbaz Ahmed, Sai Sudharsan... many options with better credentials. This feels like another "potential over performance" selection. Hope I'm proven wrong, but it's a head-scratcher for sure.
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Michael C
Interesting perspective from Chopra. The selectors are clearly looking at specific attributes (economical bowling) rather than just raw stats. It's a bold move. International cricket is a different beast; let's see if he can step up.

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