In a disappointing Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026, Team India faced a significant setback, losing to South Africa by 76 runs. A notable absence was vice-captain Axar Patel, who was replaced by Washington Sundar in the playing XI. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his concerns over this decision, emphasizing that if Patel was appointed as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy, his presence on the field should have been prioritized. ‘What are we doing here? If Axar Patel is your vice-captain, why isn’t he playing? It raises questions about his role,’ Chopra remarked. While he acknowledged that Sundar’s inclusion against the Netherlands was justifiable, he criticized the decision to bench Patel against South Africa, particularly given the presence of left-handed batsmen in the opposition. ‘You left him out when facing a team with three left-handers. Meanwhile, South Africa featured their key left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, as he was deemed essential. Why is it that your vice-captain doesn’t hold the same importance?’ Chopra questioned. The defeat has now made India’s path to the semi-finals more precarious, as they must secure victories in their final two matches with a strong net run rate to keep their championship hopes alive. Next up, they will face Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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