Team India suffered a loss by 76 runs against South Africa in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026.
During the match, Team India`s vice-captain Axar Patel did not take the field as Washington Sundar made his appearance in the playing XI.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the decision to snub Patel, saying he should not have been appointed Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy if he was meant to sit out.
“Where were we left behind? The first thing that comes to my mind is, what team are we playing? You have appointed Axar Patel the vice-captain. If he is your team`s vice-captain, why isn`t he a part of the team? You needn`t have made him the vice-captain,” he said.
The decision to pick Sundar in the previous clash against the Netherlands was fine, but the former cricketer feels India made him sit out against the Proteas just because they have right-handers on their side.
“You made him sit out in the last match. Never mind, as Washi hadn`t played for such a long time, and you played him since you were playing against the Netherlands, but you made him sit out against South Africa. You said it`s becoming a negative match-up as there are three left-handers in the opposition,” said Chopra.
He also pointed out that South Africa made their key left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj feature in the playing XI, and on the other hand, the “Men in Blue” dropped their vice-captain for the clash.
“Two of the three left-handers bat in the top three, and both were out in two overs. We have six left-handers among our eight batters, and South Africa said they would play Keshav Maharaj because he is their main bowler. They said they won`t make Keshav sit out because he is important. For you, your vice-captain is not important. How is that okay?,” said Chopra.
T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: Team India`s upcoming fixture
Team India`s loss of 76 runs against South Africa has tightened their qualification scenarios for the semi-finals of the global showpiece. The “Men in Blue” will have to win the remaining two games with a good net run rate to keep their hopes of defending the T20 World Cup alive.
They will now lock horns with Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
(With ANI Inputs)
