Post by : Shakul

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the Indian team management for leaving out Axar Patel in the Super 8 clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. India opted to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI, citing his favorable match-up against left-handed batsmen. However, Sundar struggled, conceding 17 runs in two overs and scoring 11 runs at No.5, while India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat.

Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin said that while match-up strategies may work in franchise cricket like the IPL, stability is crucial in international tournaments. He added, “Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what he has done,” highlighting the importance of relying on experienced all-rounders in high-pressure situations.

Ashwin referred to Axar’s previous contributions, including the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, where he stabilized the innings and stitched a key partnership with Virat Kohli, helping India cross 170 in a tense chase. He emphasized that Axar’s presence in the middle overs could have provided much-needed stability and potentially changed the outcome of the match.

Axar, who is India’s vice-captain, was first rested for the match against the Netherlands and then overlooked again against South Africa. With India’s semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, the focus now shifts to their next encounter against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.

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