After defeat against South Africa, India coach explains why Washington Sundar got the nod over Axar Patel

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 neglected in favour of Washington Sundar?

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate fronted the media to offer an in depth clarification 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 resolution centered on particular match-up issues in opposition to South Africa’s left-handed batters .

“A key a part of immediately’s technique was how properly he (Washington) has bowled within the powerplay in T20 cricket,” ten Doeschate defined on the post-match press convention. “The concept was to go in with three frontline bowlers plus Washington, with two others sharing the fifth-bowler’s position. Successful 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 properly.” 

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 like the fitting resolution. However, making choices 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 on no account a mirrored image on his skills or significance to the crew. “It’s actually 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 straightforward, and we have now to verify we get it proper for the subsequent two Tremendous Eight video games.” 

“In hindsight, it appeared just like the incorrect resolution”: 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 had been taking a look at match-ups. Hindsight, it appeared just like the incorrect resolution. Take nothing away from Axar. Very disenchanted,” he advised reporters .

He elaborated on the thought course of: “On stability, on condition that we anticipated many of the risk to come back from left-handers, and that we needed 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 in the course of 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 immediately, he would have walked in the identical place at no matter we had 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.

Additionally READ: Followers react as South Africa crush India within the Tremendous 8 conflict at T20 World Cup 2026

“4 occasions now groups have opened with part-time spin in opposition to us and brought a wicket… that’s clearly one thing we have now to have a look at,” he mentioned. This has led to discussions about probably bringing in Sanju Samson as a right-handed choice on the high. “Do you follow the fellows who’ve carried out during the last 18 months and are simply wanting 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 specialists 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 rapidly resolve the choice dilemmas that contributed to their biggest-ever T20 World Cup defeat.

Additionally READ: Prime 3 greatest run defeats for India within the T20 World Cup historical past