![Ayush Badoni for the India vs New Zealand ODIs [Source: Screengrab/BCCI]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768713436265_AyushBadonifortheIndiavsNewZealandODIs.jpg?type=hq)
Ayush Badoni for the India vs New Zealand ODIs [Source: Screengrab/BCCI]
India youngster Ayush Badoni has received his maiden call-up to the national team for the third ODI against New Zealand after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the series. Speaking to the BCCI TV, Ayush Badoni was quite expressive about his possible debut in the third ODI at Indore, where India will play the series decider.
Ayush Badoni shared his emotions after receiving the message about his India call-up and spoke about the preparation that helped him reach this stage and earn the selectors’ attention. He also spoke about his respect for the senior players in the team and the bond he shares with his former Delhi teammates.
Ayush Badoni reveals feeling on getting called up
Speaking to BCCI, Ayush Badoni was straightforward while describing how he felt when he first came to know about his India call-up. He revealed that he was captaining the Delhi side ahead of the quarterfinal against Vidarbha when he informed his roommate Priyansh that he might get called up.
“I was with the Delhi team at the time and was captaining the side. Our next match was the quarter-final against Vidarbha, and that’s when I got to know about it.
Priyansh was my roommate, so I told him that this could happen and that I might be leaving, which meant he could become the captain. It was a great feeling, and I feel very grateful and happy to have got this opportunity,” Badoni said.
Badoni added that he received the official call very late at night and shared the news with his friends and family the following morning. He also spoke about his experience after joining the Indian camp following his maiden call-up.
“I received the call late at night, so I couldn’t inform everyone immediately. It was announced the next morning, and when they found out, they were all very happy and proud.
When I joined the team, all the coaches and players were very welcoming, which I really appreciated. I’ve played with and against most of them before, so it was nice to meet everyone again,” Badoni said.
Ayush Badoni on how he worked to get the India call-up
India have now shifted their focus towards strengthening their all-rounder options. All-rounders have gained greater importance in modern-day cricket because of their dual skill sets in a fast-paced environment.
Ayush Badoni revealed that he consciously worked on improving his bowling alongside his batting over the last two years, knowing that all-round skills could help him get noticed at the highest level.
“Earlier, I used to focus more on batting, but over the last two years I’ve worked a lot on my bowling. I always feel I can take wickets and contribute to the team with the ball, which has helped me develop as an all-rounder. I’ve bowled a lot for Delhi, picked up wickets, and that has benefited the team,” Badoni said.
Badoni reveals bond with India cricketers
While speaking about his seniors in the Indian team, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Badoni expressed great respect and excitement about sharing the dressing room with them. He also revealed that he shares a strong bond with Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer, having played alongside them for Delhi, which has helped him feel comfortable within the squad.
“Many of the seniors in our squad are legends in their own way, and I try to learn from them whenever they bat or bowl. I feel it improves my game, and I try to absorb as much as I can.
There are also many players I share a great bond with and enjoy spending time with. I don’t play with Harshdeep in Delhi, but I have a lot of fun with Arshdeep and Shreyas as well. It’s always great to be around them,” Badoni said.
Whether Ayush Badoni gets a place in the playing XI remains to be seen. However, with Washington Sundar ruled out, Badoni appears to be the most likely replacement and could be in line for a debut in the third ODI scheduled to be played on January 18.
