In a recent match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 held on February 22 in Ahmedabad, India suffered their first defeat against South Africa by 76 runs. A significant point of contention has arisen over the exclusion of Axar Patel from the playing XI, which has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. While the Indian team chose to field Washington Sundar, ostensibly for his effectiveness against left-handed batsmen, the decision has been met with criticism regarding the value that Axar has consistently brought to the team during T20 matches.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly questioned the rationale behind Axar Patel's omission in this crucial match. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized that Axar has been one of the most valuable players (MVP) for India in T20 cricket, having played pivotal roles in several matches by guiding the team out of tight situations. While acknowledging the potential strategic advantages of playing Sundar, he suggested that Axar's past performances should not be overlooked, indicating a possible mismatch in team strategy at a critical juncture in the tournament.

The criticism of the selection strategy raises important discussions on team dynamics and the decision-making processes in high-stakes matches. As the tournament progresses, it is clear that the performances of players like Axar Patel will be under scrutiny, and decisions made by the coaching staff will significantly impact India's chances in the T20 World Cup. The ongoing discourse may also influence future selections as the team navigates the challenges of international cricket against formidable opponents.