After the 76-run defeat against South Africa in the Super 8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, questions are being raised on the decisions of the Indian team management. Especially the decision of not including Akshar Patel in the playing eleven has now become a big topic of discussion. India’s experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane has openly expressed his displeasure on this entire matter.
Questions raised on keeping Akshar Patel out
In this important match of Super 8, the team management gave a chance to Washington Sundar in place of Akshar Patel. However, this strategy did not seem to be successful on the field. Sundar bowled only two overs and could not take any wicket. Even in batting, he could not contribute much to the team.
Akshar Patel has been playing an important role for the team with both ball and bat for some time now. Despite this, the decision to put him on the bench in this big match has surprised many cricket experts.
Rahane raised questions
While talking to Cricbuzz, Rahane said that he did not understand why Akshar was not played. He clearly said that Washington Sundar is an excellent player and no one has any problem with him, but Akshar Patel has consistently performed well for the team in different situations.
Rahane taunted and said, “Sometimes trying to be too smart in selection becomes a burden on the team itself. Seeing more left-handers in the South African team, you gave a chance to Sundar, but he bowled only two overs.”
He further said that there is no rule that off-spinners will always prove to be effective against left-handed batsmen only. Akshar Patel’s record himself against left-handers has been quite good. He also reminded that South African spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled brilliantly in the same match. Rahane believes that a quality player must be included in the team, who has previously won matches for you in difficult situations and Akshar Patel is such a player.
The decisions of the captain and bowlers are also under question.
During the match, captain Suryakumar Yadav did not call Sundar to bowl after the powerplay. In their place, trust was placed on Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakraborty, who definitely took early wickets, but could not save the team from defeat.
Now after this defeat, the debate regarding the selection and strategy of Team India has intensified. All eyes are on whether the team management changes its decisions in the upcoming matches or not.
