Ajinkya Rahane questions Axar Patel‘s participation: India have lost their first match at the 2026 T20 World Cup against South Africa, on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Men in Blue got bundled out for 111 runs while chasing a target of 188 runs. After the loss, questions are being raised about India’s high risk high reward game and team selection as well.
After the match, former batter Ajinkya Rahane called out some decisions over India’s playing XI against South Africa. Rahane, like others, pointed out that the decision to play Washington Sundar over the team’s vice-captain Axar Patel in the match was wrong.
‘I’m really surprised Axar Patel is not playing the match’- Ajinkya Rahane
Though South Africa had three left-handers, with two of them being at the top in their XI, they have Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller. Rahane was shocked that Axar Patel was not included in the playing XI.
“I’m really surprised Axar Patel is not playing the match,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz. “I don’t understand what is happening. Washington Sundar is a quality player — no one is against him — but Axar has been doing so well for India in different situations. Sometimes when you try to be too smart selection-wise, that can hamper you.”
‘Axar’s record against left-handed batters is really good’- Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane also pointed out that there’s no guarantee that Washington Sundar will only bowl to left-handers. However, Axar Patel has a sensational record against left-handers. Rahane also pointed out that the Proteas brought back Keshav Maharaj despite India being overloaded with left-handers. Keshav Maharaj picked 3/24 in four over spells.
“You picked Washington because there are too many left-handers in the South African team, but he only bowled two overs. And there is no guarantee that an off-spinner will bowl only to left-handers,” Rahane said.
Rahane further added, “Axar’s record against left-handed batters is really good. We saw what Keshav Maharaj did today against the top left-handed batters. You have to play the quality player in your team, especially someone who has done really well for you in difficult situations time and again.”
Even former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was part of the live discussion panel, lashed out at the team management. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Axar Patel played a crucial innings along with Virat Kohli as the former scored 47 off 31 balls against the same opposition when India were 31/3 at one stage. His batting has improved a lot, and he can bat at No.5 for India.
India will enter a potential knockout match
The decision turned out to be fatal for the India National Cricket Team, as they made it tough for themselves to qualify. Suryakumar Yadav and his men need to win their remaining two fixtures against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and also try to win by big margins to improve their net run rate.
The Men in Blue will also hope that South Africa wins all their remaining group fixtures and tops the group with six possible points. India will be facing Zimbabwe on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
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