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Ashwin Slams India's Selection Blunders After Crushing T20 World Cup Loss

Ravichandran Ashwin has identified critical selection errors behind India's heavy defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. He argued that leaving out the "MVP" Axar Patel for Washington Sundar was a major mistake, despite acknowledging Sundar's use against left-handers. Ashwin also heavily criticized the decision to send finisher Rinku Singh to bat as low as number eight in the chase. He recalled Axar Patel's crucial partnership with Virat Kohli in the 2024 final to underscore his value to the team.

Key Points: Ashwin Criticizes India's Team Selection in T20 WC Loss

  • India's 76-run loss ends 13-match unbeaten streak
  • Ashwin questions Sundar over Axar selection
  • Criticizes Rinku Singh batting at No. 8
  • Highlights Axar's past match-winning role
2 min read

I agree that you have to use Sundar vs left-handers, but Axar has been your MVP: Ashwin

R Ashwin points to Axar Patel's omission and Rinku Singh's batting order as key errors in India's 76-run defeat to South Africa in T20 World Cup.

"Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let's not forget what Axar Patel has done. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, Feb 23

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed out key selection and batting decisions that contributed to India's crushing 76-run loss to South Africa in their Super Eights clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

India were bowled out for 111 while chasing 188, marking their biggest defeat in a T20 World Cup and ending a 13-match unbeaten streak in the tournament. Ashwin flagged the choice of playing Washington Sundar over Axar Patel and sending Rinku Singh to bat at No. 8 as pivotal errors.

"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. I agree 100 per cent that you have to use Washington Sundar against left-handers; you have to play him, I agree with all that. But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let's not forget what Axar Patel has done," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel Aish Ki Baat.

He recalled Patel's match-winning contributions in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. "In the previous World Cup, in the situation against South Africa, in which India was in the chase, Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and India crossed 170. Of course, Kohli's experience was there, but Axar is not inferior. If India had a few wickets in hand and stability in the middle overs, they would have chased the target down," Ashwin added.

Ashwin also criticised India's batting order strategy, stating, "Rinku Singh batting at No. 8. You have eight batters, and Rinku is batting at No. 8, he cannot be sent in to bat at such a position. No disrespect to Washington Sundar. He is a fabulous batter. We know his batting skills. It was a lesson South Africa taught India, 'please don't come to games underprepared'."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Batting Rinku at No. 8 is criminal waste of talent. He's a finisher, not a tailender. The management needs to back players in their proper roles. This loss hurts after such a great run.
R
Rahul R
Respectfully, I think Ashwin is being a bit harsh. Sundar was picked for a specific role against lefties, and sometimes these calls don't work. It's easy to criticize after a loss. The team had a fantastic streak before this.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, but fully invested in Indian cricket! The analysis makes sense. You don't bench your MVP (Axar) in a knockout stage. Hope they learn from this for the next tournament.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is our middle-order instability. We rely too much on the top 3. When they fail, the whole chase collapses. Need to find a solid No. 4 and 5, yaar.
K
Kavya N
Ashwin's 'Aish Ki Baat' is always insightful! He's right, you need a stable core in ICC events. Constant chopping and changing based on IPL form can backfire. Feel for Axar and Rinku.

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