Winning, losing, or even a draw – all are parts of a cricket match. But how a team achieves any of these possible results has become a topic of discussion among cricket fans. India’s 76-run defeat against South Africa sparked many debates among cricket fans and experts, as most of their tactical moves proved ineffective.
Ravichandran Ashwin has been active on social media platforms as a cricket pundit since announcing his retirement from international cricket. After the 22 February match, he strongly criticized the decisions of the Gautam Gambhir-led management in his YouTube video.
Akshar Patel played an important role in India’s victory in T20 World Cup 2024.
Ravichandran Ashwin told that he believes that leaving out Axar Patel from the playing eleven to make way for Washington Sundar in the team was a very wrong decision taken by the management.
Showing no disrespect to Sundar, the former India cricketer reminded how helpful Patel was during the last T20 World Cup final, where he shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli to post a total of 176 runs. India won the final by defeating South Africa, the same team that had defeated Team India at the Narendra Modi Stadium last night.
Ravichandran Ashwin said, “In the last World Cup, Axar Patel came in the same situation when India were chasing the target against South Africa. He partnered with Virat Kohli and India went beyond 170. Of course, Kohli was experienced, but Axar was no less. If India had some wickets and stability in the middle overs, they would have chased the target.”
Ravichandran Ashwin requested the Indian team management to maintain a stable playing eleven
Via a YouTube video, the former Indian spinner also mentioned that being successful in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and playing for the national team is not the same. Washington Sundar played with undeniable effectiveness, but Axar Patel proved more useful wearing the national team jersey. The former cricketer also suggested that the team management maintain a stable playing eleven, which could be beneficial for the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I agree that IPL is good for matchups, but you have to change the team because you have to play 14 matches. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better.”
Ravichandran Ashwin told why Washington Sundar is also important for the team
He further said in a video on his YouTube channel, “I agree 100% that you have to use Washington Sundar against left-handed batsmen; you have to play him. I agree with all this. But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what Axar Patel has done.”
Ravichandran Ashwin raised questions on the exclusion of Akshar Patel
“In a long IPL season, match-ups and rotation make sense. But consistency matters more in the ICC World Cup.
Yes Sundar can be used for specific roles. But Axar Patel has been India’s T20 MVP. Let’s not forget what… pic.twitter.com/4suMfFQznc
– Rohan (@rohann__45) 22 February 2026
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