ICC T20 World Cup 2026: What R Ashwin said about Axar Patel's exclusion from playing XI?
Following Team India's defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup-2026, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions about the playing XI.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat', "Team changes are understandable in the IPL, as there are 14 matches. But in such ICC campaigns (T20 World Cup), the more stable the team can be, the better."
Axar Patel was not included in the playing XI against SA. His omission has triggered plenty of discussion among fans and pundits, especially considering his all-round utility in T20 cricket.
Propr to the match, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team chose to stick with the same XI that beat the Netherlands, choosing Washington Sundar over Axar for balance and continuity rather than injury or fitness concerns. the management felt the unchanged combination offered better tactical balance against South Africa’s batting lineup.
Ashwin said, "I completely agree with using Washington Sundar against left-handed batsmen. But Axar Patel has been your MVP (Most Valuable Player) in T20."
Ashwin said further, "We shouldn't forget what Axar Patel has done before. In the last World Cup, the situation was similar to this match against South Africa. He came in to bat in a similar situation."
Axar Patel scored 47 runs off 31 balls in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
Axar Patel is the vice-captain of the current T20 team. He played in the first three matches of this World Cup, taking a total of six wickets.
He took two wickets in each match. However, Axar Patel hasn't been able to do much with the bat so far in this tournament.
Axar scored 14 runs against the USA, while he failed to open his account against Namibia and Pakistan.