Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate clearly said that they made a big mistake last night (22 February) against South Africa in Ahmedabad. South Africa defeated defending champions India in the 2026 T20 World Cup by 76 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
For this particular match, which is India’s opening match in the Super 8s, the management did not keep vice-captain Axar Patel on the bench in favor of inserting Washington Sundar in the playing eleven. The exclusion of the vice-captain from the playing combination sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and experts.
Why Washington Sundar inside and Akshar Patel outside?
Unfortunately, the inclusion of Washington Sundar did not work out as planned for India. Washington Sundar bowled only 2 overs and could not take any wicket. Why did the management choose Sundar instead of Patel? The assistant coach said that they wanted to play suitable bowlers in the middle. After this he also wanted Rinku Singh at number eight. As a result, Axar Patel had to warm the bench.
“We spent a lot of time in the last few days deliberating about the playing XI. And I think the only way that didn’t play into our hands was that we had ideal starts like today, getting Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton out so early. We were thinking about more matchups in the middle. And then, obviously, someone has to give way,” explained the former Netherlands international.
India’s assistant coach explains why he chose Washington Sundar over Axar Patel
He further explained that due to Rinku Singh in the lineup and a suitable bowler in the middle, he chose Sundar over Patel, which did not mean that he took away Axar Patel’s place from the team.
The assistant coach said, “So do we leave one batsman and bring in another bowler? On the face of it, it seems like the right decision. At that time, we felt we needed Rinku as the eighth batsman and the decision was based on that. But of course, this is not to take anything away from Axar Patel and his leadership and how important he is to the team.”
There was a massive mess: Ryan ten Doeschate
The result reflected what the management had planned before the match, which did not work out as planned. He said that it was a disappointing moment for the team, as they made a lot of mistakes. Although winning or losing is part of the game and the World Cup.
“Very disappointing with the performance. But when you set out to win the World Cup, don’t expect someone to come and win you the World Cup in the middle of the competition. We understand we made a lot of mistakes tonight. You’re probably allowed one mess at this stage of the competition. And we made a massive mess,” Ten Doeschate told the media after the match.
India will play its next Super 8 match in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
read moreWashington Sundar involved in heated clash with David Miller: Watch
