Head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under heavy fire on social media after Ayush Badoni was named as a replacement for injured all-rounder Washington Sundar in India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with fans accusing Gambhir of favouritism and questioning whether the selection was merit-based, given Badoni’s underwhelming domestic record and timing of the call-up.

Social media erupts over Badoni’s selection

Users were quick to cite Badoni’s underwhelming numbers in List A cricket, where he has scored 693 runs in 22 innings with 22 wickets to his name. His recent form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has been particularly poor, managing just 16 runs from three innings at an average of 8.

However, Badoni did produce notable numbers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 329 runs from 11 innings during the 2025 season. Critics allege that his IPL performances — rather than consistent domestic showings — earned him the ODI nod.

The timing and circumstances of the selection further fueled criticism, with many pointing out the connection between Badoni and Gambhir. The head coach worked with Badoni during his time with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, and both hail from the same domestic side, Delhi, in the Ranji Trophy.

“Gambhir bias” allegations trend again

Some social media users even namedropped fast bowler Harshit Rana to claim that Gambhir has shown a pattern of being biased towards certain players during selections, particularly those from his IPL connections or Delhi cricket circle.

Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from sarcastic to critical:

  • “16 runs in 3 VHT innings = India call-up? Gambhir logic!”

  • “So IPL performance > domestic consistency? This is exactly what everyone feared.”

  • “Another LSG connect. Are we picking India squads based on Gambhir’s WhatsApp contacts?”

The backlash reflects growing frustration among fans who believe meritocracy in Indian cricket selection has been compromised under the current management.

Badoni’s coach defends call-up

Despite the online uproar, Badoni’s coach, Sarandeep Singh, welcomed the selection, calling it “much-awaited” and insisting that the 26-year-old all-rounder is ready to play international cricket “right away” given his form across all departments.

Badoni had been practising at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Monday morning for Delhi’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match when he learned about the call-up and left his state team to join the national squad in Rajkot ahead of the second ODI on Wednesday.

While Badoni will miss the crucial quarterfinal fixture against Vidarbha, scheduled for Tuesday, his coach was elated that the all-rounder had finally received his due by earning an ODI call.

“The practice was announced this morning, and we were practising at CoE in Bengaluru for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Tomorrow we have a quarter-final, but he got a call for the Indian team. We are very, very happy for him because he deserved this call. And he has been performing for the last two years. Especially with the bat, and we say that mostly with the ball as well. He has improved his bowling a lot. So, he will be called an all-rounder going in place of Washington Sundar, who is injured,” Sarandeep told IANS.

Pattern or coincidence?

The controversy over Badoni’s inclusion is part of a growing narrative questioning Gambhir’s selection philosophy. Critics argue that his approach has favored players from his IPL networks or home state instead of rewarding consistent domestic performers. The debate now centers around whether Badoni’s call-up was justified or another example of alleged nepotism under the current coaching regime.