India faced South Africa in their first Super 8s game in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 22, 2026. South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bat first on the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch in Ahmedabad.
While South Africa made four changes to their side, India decided to field the same XI that played against the Netherlands at this same venue. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that Axar Patel will continue to warm the bench as India went with Washington Sundar instead.
“I was actually looking to bat first, but it’s okay, and we’re happy to bowl first. It’s very harsh on Axar Patel, but we’re going with the same team—just a tactical decision, so no changes from the last game,” Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss.
The cricket fans online were surprised at the decision to exclude Axar Patel, who is also the vice-captain of the Indian team, from the XI. They couldn’t fathom why the India team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhi,r decided to bench Axar Patel for Sundar.
Washington Sundar bowled 2 overs, going for 17 runs, while making only 11 runs in 11 balls with the bat.
The fans took to social media to share their frustration at the decision to exclude Axar Pat,el and many of them were aimed at Gautam Gambhir, the head coach.
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