After India’s crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa t20 world cup 2026 Super 8 clash at Narendra Modi Stadium, one question dominated the discussion after the match: Why was vice-captain Axar Patel dropped in favor of Washington Sundar?
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate turned to the media to detail the strategic thinking behind the controversial selection call, which paid off brilliantly.
Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar: Powerplay bowling, match-ups and Rinku Singh factor
Ten Doeschate revealed that the team management spent a considerable amount of time deliberating on the final eleven before the match, with the final decision focusing on specific match-up considerations against South Africa’s left-handed batsmen.
“An important part of the strategy today was how well they (Washington) have bowled in the powerplay in T20 cricket.” Ten Doeschate told the press conference after the match. “The idea was to go with Washington with three frontline bowlers, with the other two playing the fifth bowler role. Winning the powerplay was going to be important. We envisioned Washington bowling two overs up front, not necessarily 30 for 3. That starting position gives you flexibility with the bat as well.”
The coaching staff identified Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller as the primary threats, preferring an off-spinner over left-arm spinner Axar Patel for better match-ups against left-handed batsmen.
Ten Doeschate stressed that the decision was also influenced by a desire to maintain batting depth. “In the end, you can argue that leaving out a batsman and playing an extra frontline bowler seems like the right decision. But, taking the decision at that time, we felt we needed Rinku as the eighth batsman. And the decision was based on that.”
He stressed that Axar’s omission in no way reflects on his abilities or importance to the team. “It’s certainly not a reflection of Axar – his leadership and importance to the team is undeniable. But it’s the challenge we face almost every week: fitting 11 players into a squad of 15. It’s not easy, and we have to make sure we get it right for the next two Super Eights games.”
“Ultimately, it seemed like the wrong decision”: Ryan Ten Doeschate
Perhaps most importantly, ten Doeschate candidly admitted that the selection call was to no avail. “We spent a lot of time deliberating. We were considering match-ups. In hindsight, it seemed like the wrong decision. Don’t take anything away from Axar. Very disappointed.” He told reporters.
He explained the thought process in detail: “On balance, given that we expected most of the threat to come from left-handers, and we wanted extra batsmen, it came down to a straight choice between Washington and Axar. And we went with Washington.”
Despite clear strategic logic, the plan failed in implementation. Sundar bowled only two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking any wickets, and was never used during the powerplay – the very phase for which he was selected.
With the bat, Sundar was promoted to No. 5 during India’s collapse, but could only score 11 runs from 11 balls, and failed to steady the innings. Ten Doeschate defended the promotion, pointing out that if Akshar had played he would have faced the same situation. “If Axar played on that team today, he would have been in the same position we were in, 3-on-20.”
India’s heavy left-handed batting line-up is a matter of concern
The defeat exposed deep structural issues in India’s batting approach. Ten Doeschate admitted that teams have consistently taken advantage of India’s left-arm heavy top order by starting with part-time off-spin.
Also read: Fans react to South Africa crushing India in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026
“Four times now teams have started with part-time spin against us and taken a wicket… it’s obviously something we have to look at.” He said. This has led to talk of potentially bringing in Sanju Samson as a right-handed option at the top. “Do you stick with those who have done well in the last 18 months and are now short on runs, or do you rotate and bring a right-hander to the top? We will discuss it in the next few days.”
Gautam Gambhir is facing investigation
head coach Gautam Gambhir The failed experiment was followed by significant criticism from fans and experts. With India now having to win both the remaining Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies to keep their semi-final hopes alive, the team management will have to quickly resolve the selection dilemmas that contributed to their biggest T20 World Cup defeat till date.
Also read: Top 3 biggest defeats for India in T20 World Cup history