India's Controversial Axar Patel Omission Draws Heavy Criticism After T20 World Cup 2026 Loss
Mounting criticism continues to surround India's contentious decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The team management, spearheaded 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 tactical justification. However, this strategic switch spectacularly failed to deliver the desired impact, with Sundar turning in an underwhelming performance as India slumped to a crushing 76-run defeat.
Ajinkya Rahane Voices Disappointment Over Selection Call
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has now added his voice to the growing chorus of dissent questioning the move. While Jasprit Bumrah managed to remove both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton early in the innings, Sundar proved ineffective against the middle order. He bowled a mere two overs, conceding 17 runs at an economy rate of 8.5, and was comfortably handled by David Miller and Dewald Brevis.
Rahane did not mince words in expressing his disappointment with the selection decision. "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 stated on Cricbuzz.
He further emphasized that match-up theories do not always guarantee success on the field. "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, highlighting the flawed logic behind the tactical change.
Vice-Captain's Absence Puzzling Amidst Backfired Strategy
What made the decision even more baffling, according to critics, was the fact that Axar Patel holds the designated role of vice-captain. He had previously 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 and left fans and experts alike questioning the team's direction.
Rahane reiterated that overthinking may have cost the team dearly in this high-stakes match. "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, underscoring the importance of consistency and trust in key players.
Pressure Mounts on Gambhir and Think Tank After Heavy Defeat
Following the heavy defeat in Ahmedabad, pressure has intensified on Gautam 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, making the upcoming match a critical juncture in their T20 World Cup 2026 journey.
The controversy over Axar Patel's exclusion has sparked widespread debate about team selection strategies and the balance between tactical innovation and proven performance. As India prepares for the crucial encounter against Zimbabwe, all eyes will be on whether the management revisits its approach or sticks to its guns amidst mounting scrutiny.
