After defeat against South Africa, India coach explains why Washington Sundar got the nod over Axar Patel

In the aftermath of India’s crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, one question dominated post-match discussions: why was vice-captain Axar Patel left out in favour of Washington Sundar?

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate fronted the media to provide a detailed explanation of the tactical thinking behind the controversial selection call that backfired spectacularly.

Axar Patel vs Washington Sundar: Powerplay bowling, match-ups and the Rinku Singh factor

Ten Doeschate revealed that the team management spent considerable time deliberating over the playing XI in the lead-up to the match, with the final decision centered on specific match-up considerations against South Africa’s left-handed batters .

“A key part of today’s strategy was how well he (Washington) has bowled in the powerplay in T20 cricket,” ten Doeschate explained at the post-match press conference. “The idea was to go in with three frontline bowlers plus Washington, with two others sharing the fifth-bowler’s role. Winning the powerplay was going to be crucial. We had envisaged Washington bowling two overs up front, not necessarily being 30 for 3. That early position then gives you flexibility with the bat as well.”

The coaching staff identified Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller as the primary threats, leading them to prefer an off-spinner over left-arm spinner Axar Patel for better match-ups against the left-handers.

Ten Doeschate emphasized that the decision was also influenced by the desire to maintain batting depth. “In hindsight, you could argue that leaving out a batter and playing an extra frontline bowler looks like the right decision. But, making decisions at that time, we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based on that.”

He stressed that Axar’s omission was in no way a reflection on his abilities or importance to the team. “It’s certainly not a reflection on Axar – his leadership and importance to the team are unquestioned. But this is 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 Eight games.”

“In hindsight, it looked like the wrong decision”: Ryan ten Doeschate

Perhaps most significantly, ten Doeschate candidly admitted that the selection call had not paid off. “We spent so much time in deliberating. We were looking at match-ups. Hindsight, it looked like the wrong decision. Take nothing away from Axar. Very disappointed,” he told reporters .

He elaborated on the thought process: “On balance, given that we expected most of the threat to come from left-handers, and that we wanted the extra batter, it came down to a straight choice between Washington and Axar. And we went with Washington.”

Despite the clear tactical reasoning, the plan fell apart in execution. Sundar bowled just two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket, and was never utilized during the powerplay – the very phase for which he was supposedly selected .

With the bat, Sundar was promoted to No. 5 during India’s collapse but managed only 11 runs off 11 balls, failing to stabilize the innings . Ten Doeschate defended the promotion, explaining that Axar would have faced the same situation had he played. “If Axar had played in that team today, he would have walked in the same position at whatever we were, 20 for 3.”

India’s heavy left-handed batting order an area of concern

The defeat exposed deeper structural issues in India’s batting approach. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that teams have consistently exploited India’s left-handed heavy top order by opening with part-time off-spin.

Also READ: Fans react as South Africa crush India in the Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

“Four times now teams have opened with part-time spin against us and taken a wicket… that’s obviously something we have to look at,” he said. This has led to discussions about potentially bringing in Sanju Samson as a right-handed option at the top. “Do you stick with the guys who have performed over the last 18 months and are just short of runs now, or do you twist and bring in a right-hander at the top? That’s a discussion we’ll have over the next few days.”

Gautam Gambhir faces scrutiny

Head coach Gautam Gambhir faced significant criticism from fans and experts following the failed experiment. With India now needing to win both remaining Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to keep their semifinal hopes alive, the team management must quickly resolve the selection dilemmas that contributed to their biggest-ever T20 World Cup defeat.

Also READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history