India, Jan. 14 -- Ayush Badoni's surprise selection into the ODI team for the ongoing series against New Zealand as a replacement for injured Washington Sundar sparked a fierce debate, as former BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth not only labelled the call-up as "unfair" but also accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of favouritism.

Sundar, who bowled five overs for 27 runs, walked off midway through New Zealand's innings with an injury concern and did not take the field. He did return to bat in the second innings, walking in at No. 8, but looked visibly uncomfortable during his knock. A day later, the BCCI released a statement saying the all-rounder reported "an acute onset of discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling" and was therefore...