Within the aftermath of India’s crushing 76-run defeat in opposition to South Africa within the T20 World Cup 2026 Tremendous 8 conflict on the Narendra Modi Stadium, one query dominated post-match discussions: why was vice-captain Axar Patel not noted in favour of Washington Sundar?
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate fronted the media to supply an in depth rationalization of the tactical pondering behind the controversial choice name that backfired spectacularly.
Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar: Powerplay bowling, match-ups and the Rinku Singh issue
Ten Doeschate revealed that the crew administration spent appreciable time deliberating over the taking part in XI within the lead-up to the match, with the ultimate choice centered on particular match-up issues in opposition to South Africa’s left-handed batters .
“A key a part of right this moment’s technique was how nicely he (Washington) has bowled within the powerplay in T20 cricket,” ten Doeschate defined on the post-match press convention. “The thought was to go in with three frontline bowlers plus Washington, with two others sharing the fifth-bowler’s function. Profitable the powerplay was going to be essential. We had envisaged Washington bowling two overs up entrance, not essentially being 30 for 3. That early place then provides you flexibility with the bat as nicely.”
The teaching employees recognized Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller as the first threats, main them to favor an off-spinner over left-arm spinner Axar Patel for higher match-ups in opposition to the left-handers.
Ten Doeschate emphasised that the choice was additionally influenced by the need to take care of batting depth. “In hindsight, you may argue that leaving out a batter and taking part in an additional frontline bowler seems to be like the appropriate choice. However, making selections at the moment, we felt we would have liked Rinku as an eighth batsman, so to talk. And the choice was based mostly on that.”
He confused that Axar’s omission was under no circumstances a mirrored image on his talents or significance to the crew. “It’s definitely not a mirrored image on Axar – his management and significance to the crew are unquestioned. However that is the problem we face nearly each week: becoming 11 gamers right into a squad of 15. It’s not simple, and we’ve got to verify we get it proper for the subsequent two Tremendous Eight video games.”
“In hindsight, it regarded just like the improper choice”: Ryan ten Doeschate
Maybe most importantly, ten Doeschate candidly admitted that the choice name had not paid off. “We spent a lot time in deliberating. We have been taking a look at match-ups. Hindsight, it regarded just like the improper choice. Take nothing away from Axar. Very disenchanted,” he advised reporters .
He elaborated on the thought course of: “On steadiness, on condition that we anticipated many of the risk to return from left-handers, and that we wished the additional batter, it got here all the way down to a straight alternative between Washington and Axar. And we went with Washington.”
Regardless of the clear tactical reasoning, the plan fell aside in execution. Sundar bowled simply two overs, conceding 17 runs with out taking a wicket, and was by no means utilized through the powerplay – the very section for which he was supposedly chosen .
With the bat, Sundar was promoted to No. 5 throughout India’s collapse however managed solely 11 runs off 11 balls, failing to stabilize the innings . Ten Doeschate defended the promotion, explaining that Axar would have confronted the identical state of affairs had he performed. “If Axar had performed in that crew right this moment, he would have walked in the identical place at no matter we have been, 20 for 3.”
India’s heavy left-handed batting order an space of concern
The defeat uncovered deeper structural points in India’s batting method. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that groups have constantly exploited India’s left-handed heavy high order by opening with part-time off-spin.
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“4 instances now groups have opened with part-time spin in opposition to us and brought a wicket… that’s clearly one thing we’ve got to take a look at,” he mentioned. This has led to discussions about doubtlessly bringing in Sanju Samson as a right-handed possibility on the high. “Do you keep on with the fellows who’ve carried out over the past 18 months and are simply in need of runs now, or do you twist and herald a right-hander on the high? That’s a dialogue we’ll have over the subsequent few days.”
Gautam Gambhir faces scrutiny
Head coach Gautam Gambhir confronted vital criticism from followers and consultants following the failed experiment. With India now needing to win each remaining Tremendous 8 matches in opposition to Zimbabwe and the West Indies to maintain their semifinal hopes alive, the crew administration should shortly resolve the choice dilemmas that contributed to their biggest-ever T20 World Cup defeat.
Additionally READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history
