Cricket

Gambhir, Suryakumar criticised for dropping Axar for Washington in loss to South Africa: 'This selection is so absurd'

February 23, 2026

Trending:Modi to visit IsraelIndia vs SAMan killed at Mar-a-lagoTrump to visit ChinaIran-US tensionsDo Deewane Seher Mein reviewadvertisementGambhir, Suryakumar criticised for dropping Axar for Washington in loss to South Africa: 'This selection is so absurd'FirstCricket Staff • February 23, 2026, 07:51:38 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitteradvertisementAxar Patel has not played for India in their last two matches at the T20 World Cup with Washington Sundar getting the nod. However, after the loss to South Africa, the team management might have to rethink this move. AdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleWashington Sundar could not take any wicket and also scored just 11 runs. ReutersIndia’s tactical decision to leave out Axar Patel in favour of Washington Sundar has not gone down well with fans after the Men in Blue were crushed by 76 runs by South Africa in the first Super 8 match of both teams at the 2026 T20 World Cup on Sunday, February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. T20 World Cup 2026: News | Schedule | Results | Points TableIndia surprisingly persisted with the off-spin of Sundar over the left-arm spin of Axar, who is also the vice captain of the side.

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Credit: Washington Sundar could not take any wicket and also scored just 11 runs.

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The call took fans by surprise and once Sundar could not shine either with the ball or the bat, fans slammed the team management for their decision-making. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADIndia outplayed by South AfricaAxar was rested for India’s last group game against the Netherlands and was expected to return to the Playing XI.
However, at toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that Axar will continue to warm the bench as the team management wanted Sundar’s off-spin against the left-handers of South Africa. The Proteas batting line-up had the powerful left-handed trio of Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller.
However, de Kock and Rickelton were dismissed early, leaving only Miller to play out the majority of the innings.
Since two left-handers were dismissed early, Sundar’s usage with the ball was limited.
The offie bowled only two overs and conceded 17 runs for no wickets. More from First Cricket Can India still qualify for semifinals after massive loss to South Africa?

First Cricket

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Gambhir, Suryakumar criticised for dropping Axar for Washington in loss to South Africa: 'This selection is so absurd'

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Gambhir, Suryakumar criticised for dropping Axar for Washington in loss to South Africa: 'This selection is so absurd'

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