“Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket” - Ravi Ashwin slams Indian team management after 76-run loss to South Africa

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has dissected the key reasons behind the defending champions Team India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in their first Super8 clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Ashwin questioned the Indian team management for the exclusion of Axar Patel just for the sake of match-ups, pointing out that the all-rounder has been the team’s MVP in the format.

"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% 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.

Ashwin also recalled Axar Patel’s heroics in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa when he stitched a 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli as India posted a good-looking 176-run total and went on to win the title.

"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," he added.

Moreover, Ashwin also questioned the reason behind Rinku Singh’s demotion in the batting order while Washington Sundar was promoted up to No.5. Interestingly, Rinku was slotted to bat at No.8 against the Proteas.

"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," Ashwin concluded.

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