The India National Cricket Team is facing big selection drama before their crucial Super Eight clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad. Ahead of this match, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has dropped a bold prediction about India’s playing XI.
Deep Dasgupta predicts a big change in the Playing XI for the South Africa game
The cricket pundit suggested that Axar Patel should not be played against South Africa. The spin bowling all-rounder played the first three matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, but he was left out in the last game against the Netherlands.
It is being said that the Indian team management is seriously thinking about going with Washington Sundar over Axar Patel for the big match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
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However, Dasgupta reckoned that Axar’s place in the playing XI depends on Arshdeep Singh’s selection. This decision will play an important role in giving Jasprit Bumrah full freedom to bowl anytime in the crucial Super 8 clash with the Proteas side.
Arshdeep Singh’s selection to decide Axar Patel’s place
Deep Dasgupta said on Star Sports, “If Arshdeep is playing, they might go with Axar. If Arshdeep is not playing, I would rather go with Washington, and the reason is bowling with the new ball, which Washington does for you regularly, the first two overs.”
He added, “There is not much to choose between Axar and Washington. I think one thing that might tilt the scales towards Washington is whether Arshdeep is playing or not, because I think what you need is (Jasprit) Bumrah’s freedom of four overs.
You can use Bumrah whenever you want to. You don’t want to tie him up. I think two choices need to be made, and those are interconnected.”
Deep Dasgupta explains why Washington Sundar is a strong option for India
The cricket pundit also explained why he wants India to play Sundar ahead of Axar against South Africa. He noted that they have three strong left-hand batters in their top order—Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller—so having an off-spinner like Sundar will be more logical, as he can trouble left-handers more with the ball.
Dasgupta signed off by saying, “So maybe they might want to continue with Washington Sundar. Also, when you are looking at batting, you might not need Axar Patel’s batting as much at No. 8, and Washington is no mug with the bat either.”
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Big names ready for Asian Games action
Earlier, the BCCI shared a list of possible players with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This list will soon be sent to the Asian Games organisers for final approval. As reported by the Times of India, the squad has already been prepared and internally finalised.
Some big names are expected to be part of the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games. And these players include Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya. Apart from them, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Rinku Singh have also been selected in the squad.
Notably, the Men in Blue will kick off their Super 8 round on February 22 against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They had faced each other in the final of the last edition.
