New Delhi | 23 Feb 2026

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned the decision to drop Axar Patel from India’s playing XI for the crucial Super 8s clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. India’s heavy 76-run defeat in the match only intensified the debate, with Ashwin saying he could not understand the thinking behind leaving out a player who has consistently delivered for the team.

India’s team management opted to play Washington Sundar, citing favourable match-ups against left-hand batters. However, the move failed to pay off. Sundar conceded 17 runs in his two overs and managed just 11 runs with the bat, despite being promoted to No. 5 ahead of more experienced hitters. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin stressed that while match-up strategies may work in leagues like the IPL, international tournaments demand stability. “I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but you have to change the team because you are going to play 14 games. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better,” he said. He went on to add, “But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let's not forget what Axar Patel has done.”

Ashwin also recalled Axar’s crucial role in the previous World Cup, pointing to his partnership with Virat Kohli in the 2024 final. “Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and India crossed 170,” Ashwin said, adding that Axar’s calm presence and ability to attack made him invaluable. With India’s semi-final hopes now under pressure, the team will look to regroup when they face Zimbabwe next at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

: Ashwin Questions Axar Omission, Calls Him India’s T20 ‘MVP’ After South Africa Loss

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned the decision to drop Axar Patel from India’s playing XI for the crucial Super 8s clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. India’s heavy 76-run defeat in the match only intensified the debate, with Ashwin saying he could not understand the thinking behind leaving out a player who has consistently delivered for the team.

India’s team management opted to play Washington Sundar, citing favourable match-ups against left-hand batters. However, the move failed to pay off. Sundar conceded 17 runs in his two overs and managed just 11 runs with the bat, despite being promoted to No. 5 ahead of more experienced hitters. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin stressed that while match-up strategies may work in leagues like the IPL, international tournaments demand stability. “I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but you have to change the team because you are going to play 14 games. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better,” he said. He went on to add, “But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let's not forget what Axar Patel has done.”

Ashwin also recalled Axar’s crucial role in the previous World Cup, pointing to his partnership with Virat Kohli in the 2024 final. “Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and India crossed 170,” Ashwin said, adding that Axar’s calm presence and ability to attack made him invaluable. With India’s semi-final hopes now under pressure, the team will look to regroup when they face Zimbabwe next at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.