WorldCup – Ashwin Questions India Team Selection After Heavy Loss
WorldCup – India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup suffered a major setback after a comprehensive defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, prompting former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to question the team’s selection strategy.
India’s unbeaten run in the tournament came to an abrupt end on Sunday when South Africa secured a 76-run victory in their Super 8 fixture. The loss not only dented India’s momentum but also triggered debate around the team’s playing combination, particularly the decision to leave out Axar Patel.
Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Team Combination
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin openly expressed surprise at Axar Patel’s exclusion from the playing XI. He pointed out that Patel had delivered in high-pressure situations before, including a crucial partnership in the previous T20 World Cup final against the same opposition.
Ashwin recalled how Axar had stepped up alongside Virat Kohli during a tense phase in that final, showing intent and composure while accelerating the scoring when required. According to Ashwin, Axar’s ability to balance aggression with responsibility made him a valuable asset in tight chases.
“In the last T20 World Cup, Axar walked in during a similar situation and stitched an important stand with Virat. His approach was fearless yet controlled,” Ashwin said, suggesting that India might have benefited from that stability this time as well.
Washington Sundar’s Struggles in Key Role
For the Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad, India opted for Washington Sundar in place of Axar Patel. However, the move did not yield the desired results. Sundar conceded 17 runs in his two overs and was unable to make a significant impact with the bat.
Batting at number five, ahead of established finishers such as Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, Sundar managed just 11 runs. The experiment, in hindsight, did not strengthen India either in the middle overs or during the chase.
South Africa, capitalising on disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, restricted India effectively and sealed a commanding 76-run win. The defeat stands as India’s second-largest loss by runs in T20 Internationals, behind the 80-run setback against New Zealand in Wellington in 2019. In terms of margin, it ranks among India’s most significant defeats in T20 World Cup history.
Impact on India’s Semi-Final Hopes
The result has tightened the race for the semi-finals. After a strong start in the tournament, India now find themselves needing victories in their remaining Super 8 matches to stay in contention. Net run rate could also become a decisive factor if qualification scenarios grow more complex.
The loss has highlighted questions around balance in the playing XI. Axar Patel, apart from his left-arm spin, offers flexibility with the bat and has often been used as a floater in the batting order. His absence was particularly noticeable in a match where India struggled to build partnerships during the middle overs.
Ashwin emphasised that with wickets in hand and a stable platform after ten overs, India might have been able to mount a serious chase. He suggested that tactical decisions at this stage of a global tournament carry heightened significance, especially when margins are narrow.
Focus Shifts to Crucial Fixtures Ahead
With the defending champions under pressure, attention now turns to how the team management responds. Selection calls and role clarity will likely be under scrutiny as India prepare for their remaining matches.
The Super 8 phase leaves little room for error, and consistency across departments will be essential. While one defeat does not eliminate India, it has undeniably raised the stakes. The coming fixtures will determine whether the team can regain its rhythm and keep its title defence alive in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.