"He Was Mentor" - Srikkanth Tears Into Gambhir, Links Badoni's IND vs NZ Call-Up to LSG Relationship

Kris Srikkanth raised doubts over Ayush Badoni’s ODI call-up, linking it to Gautam Gambhir’s past IPL mentorship and contrasting his record with Axar Patel’s recent performances.

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has taken aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir following Ayush Badoni’s inclusion in the squad for the remaining ODIs against New Zealand. India won the opening match of the three-game series, but Washington Sundar’s rib injury forced a replacement. The selectors turned to uncapped Badoni, a move that Srikkanth openly questioned.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth pointed out Badoni’s association with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, where Gambhir served as mentor. He suggested that this connection may have influenced the decision. “Badoni played at LSG and he (Gambhir) was the mentor there. I don’t see any other reason. On what basis? You should have some sense in selection,” Srikkanth remarked.

Badoni was representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 when he received his maiden India call-up. His recent domestic numbers have been modest, with just 16 runs from three innings at an average of 8.00 and four wickets from 22 overs. In the IPL, he has scored 963 runs in 56 matches at 26.75 with a strike rate of 138.56, alongside four wickets in seven innings.

Srikkanth argued that Axar Patel would have been a more logical replacement for Sundar. “Ayush Badoni with this performance, no chance. He has not done anything great. If an all-rounder is missing why not bring in Axar Patel? He is a genuine all-rounder in all formats,” he said.

Highlighting Axar’s recent form, Srikkanth noted his contributions in both international and domestic cricket. In his last ODI series, Axar scored 75 runs in two innings and claimed three wickets. He also impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 130 against Andhra Pradesh with figures of 2/27, and adding 73 runs against Odisha.

Srikkanth concluded that overlooking Axar in favor of Badoni was unfair, stressing that the proven all-rounder should have been an automatic choice.