T20 World Cup 2026 India vs South Africa: Know Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today In Super 8 Clash?

At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, South Africa will play in a crucial Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Both clubs are looking to gain momentum going into the knockout stages and enter this game undefeated in the group round.

On what appears to be a classic black-soil pitch with pace and bounce—perfect conditions for seamers—South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bat first. The defending champions, India, have selected a team that is unchanged from their previous match; however, vice captain Axar Patel is notably missing from the starting lineup.

As in India's last group-stage match against the Netherlands, Axar Patel is out once more because the team management has chosen to use the same starting lineup. South Africa, meanwhile, has strengthened their combination with some noteworthy adjustments. David Miller, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj were added to the starting lineup for the Super Eight match.

T20 World Cup 2026 India vs South Africa Result:

Axar Patel was dropped at home ground.
But why picked Washington Sundar whyyyyyy ?#INDvsSApic.twitter.com/E6E03tIiac

— Sandeep Phogat (@MrSandeepPhogat) February 22, 2026

The decision to leave Axar Patel out has triggered plenty of discussion among fans and pundits, especially considering his all-round utility in T20 cricket. The squad decided to stay with the same lineup that defeated the Netherlands, selecting Washington Sundar over Axar for balance and continuity rather than injury or fitness concerns, India captain Suryakumar Yadav stated.

Axar might have offered spin options and batting depth after playing a crucial part with the bat and ball earlier in the tournament. However, the selectors decided to support the current combination because the conditions were predicted to favour seamers and India was fielding their preferred bowling unit. When compared to South Africa's lineup, Sundar's addition was thought to give somewhat different matchup value but comparable spin bowling abilities.

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