Notably, Sundar reported acute discomfort in his left lower rib region while bowling during the first ODI at the BCA Stadium. Although he returned to batting at number 8, further medical assessment led the BCCI to rule him out of the remaining two matches. With India already dealing with injuries to Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma, the team management was forced to reassess the combination, especially the need for adequate bowling depth in 50-over cricket.
Called the selectors Badoni as Sundar’s replacement, handing the 26-year-old his first international call-up. His selection sparked widespread criticism from the selection committee and head coach, Gautam Gambhir. It is worth noting that his recent return from the Vijay Hazare Trophy with the bat was decent. However, Kotak made it clear that team balance and not batting numbers determined the decision.
Ahead of the second ODI, Kotak said no team can afford to play an ODI with just five bowling options. He pointed out that if Sundar had not been available earlier in the match, India would have had no options to complete the overs. According to Kotak, Badoni’s ability to bowl four to five overs made him a practical, comparable replacement for Sundar, even if their primary skills differ.
“He has played, he has performed, he has played some India A one-dayers and he has performed. Of course, it is the selectors who choose the team, but for any common man, when Washington is out, normally you cannot go with just five bowlers. For example, if in the last match we had only five bowlers and Washington got injured in the fourth or fifth over, who would have bowled those overs? So every team would like to have a sixth bowling option. Sometimes, if it is an If you have an all-rounder are like Washington, then he is an equally good bowler; sometimes he may be more of a batsman who can bowl,” he said, as quoted by NDTV.
If necessary, someone should be able to bowl four or five overs: Kotak
Kotak also mentioned Badoni’s previous performances for India A and his experience in the IPL. The Delhi all-rounder has played several one-day matches for India A, scoring 50 goals and contributing with the ball.
“If he needs to, someone should be able to bowl four or five overs, or even three or four overs, whatever is required. He has scored a couple of fifty runs for India A and can bowl. He has performed well in the IPL and white-ball cricket, so good luck to him,” he added.
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