Criticism continues to mount over India’s decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against South Africa national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, opted to include Washington Sundar instead, citing South Africa’s left-heavy top order as the primary reason. However, the tactical switch failed to deliver the desired impact, with Sundar putting in an underwhelming performance as India slumped to a crushing 76-run defeat.
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has now joined the growing list of voices questioning the move. While Jasprit Bumrah removed both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton early, Sundar was unable to trouble the middle order. He bowled just two overs, conceding 17 runs at an economy of 8.5, and was comfortably handled by David Miller and Dewald Brevis.Rahane did not hide his disappointment with the selection call.“I’m really surprised that Axar Patel didn’t play. I don’t understand what’s happening. Yes, Washington Sundar is a quality player; nobody is against him. But Axar has been doing so well in different situations. Sometimes I feel that when you become too smart, selection-wise, it can hamper you. You brought Sundar because too many left-handers in the South African lineup, but he only bowled two overs,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.He further stressed that match-up theories do not always guarantee success.“There’s no guarantee that off-spinners will bowl really well against the left-handers. Axar’s record against left-handed batters is really good. We all saw what Keshav Maharaj did. You have to play the quality player in your team who has done so well for you in the past,” he added.What made the decision more puzzling, according to critics, was the fact that Axar is the designated vice-captain. He had earlier been rested for the game against the Netherlands, allowing Sundar his first outing of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Many expected Axar to return for the crucial Super 8 encounter, but the management persisted with Sundar — a move that backfired badly.Rahane reiterated that overthinking may have cost the team dearly.“When you overthink, I get the match-ups. Axar Patel is a quality player; he has done well for you in the past. He is a quality left-arm spinner with great character. No one is against Washington Sundar, but you have to back your main guy,” said Rahane.“He’s the vice-captain of the team. Unless he has a niggle, which we don’t know about. If he’s fit, he should be in the XI, any day,” he added.Following the heavy defeat in Ahmedabad, pressure has intensified on Gambhir and the think tank. With their campaign now on shaky ground, India face a must-win clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Another setback could effectively end their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
