Indian management's decision to drop Axar for Sundar has attracted huge critcism.
South Africa hammered India by 76 runs on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and dented India’s net run rate as well. Thanks to David Miller’s fifty, South Africa posted 187/7 in 20 overs. Then India was bowled out for 111 runs as Marco Jansen took four wickets.
The biggest talking point in the defeat was the decision of Indian team management, headed by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, to prefer Washington Sundar ahead of Axar Patel in India XI. This was dictated by the presence of left-handers in the South African batting lineup.
However, Sundar bowled two overs, giving away 17 runs, and with the bat, managed only 11 runs in 11 balls.
Ajinkya Rahane is the latest batsman to express his anger with the decision to drop Axar, claiming it made no sense. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton during the match against the Proteas; nevertheless, David Miller handled Washington far too lightly.
The ease with which Sundar was played by the Proteas batter irritated Rahane, and the former Test captain chastised the management for being "too smart."
“I'm really surprised that Axar Patel didn't play. I don't understand what's happening. Yes, Washington Sundar is a quality player; nobody is against him. But Axar has been doing so well in different situations. Sometimes I feel that when you become too smart, selection-wise, it can hamper you. You brought Sundar because there are too many left-handers in the South African lineup, but he only bowled two overs,” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
“There's no guarantee that off-spinners will bowl really well against the left-handers. Axar's record against left-handed batters is really good. We all saw what Keshav Maharaj did. You have to play the quality player in your team who has done so well for you in the past,” he added.
Axar was made to warm the bench despite being the appointed vice-captain, which made the situation worse. Sundar experienced the 2026 T20 World Cup for the first time as he was rested for the match against the Netherlands.
Gambhir is currently facing the most criticism for excluding a proven performer like Axar after a crushing 76-run loss in Ahmedabad. It was anticipated that the management would bring Axar back, but that didn't happen.
“When you overthink, I get the match-ups. Axar Patel is a quality player; he has done well for you in the past. He is a quality left-arm spinner with great character. No one is against Washington Sundar, but you have to back your main guy. He's the vice-captain of the team. Unless he has a niggle, which we don't know about. If he's fit, he should be in the XI any day,” he added.
This big loss has made the game against Zimbabwe a must-win for India, when they clash in Chennai on February 26.