Why was Axar Patel benched vs South Africa? Ryan ten Doeschate reveals the key reason

Indian team’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has opened up on the key reason behind excluding the Indian vice-captain Axar Patel from the playing XI against South Africa, stating that the decision was purely tactical and based on team balance.

Speaking in the post-match press conference after India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa, Doeschate revealed that the Indian team management, headed by Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, had talked about the combination extensively in the lead-up to the clash.

“Yeah, we spent so much time deliberating about the XI, the last couple of days. And I guess the only way that it sort of didn't play into our hands is if we did have the ideal start like we did today with getting Quinton and Rickelton out so early,” Ryan ten Doeschate said.

"We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way. So, do we leave a batter out and get another bowler in? In hindsight, that looks like the right decision. But obviously, playing it forward and making decisions at the time, we felt we needed Rinku, as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based around there,” he added.

For the unversed, India went ahead with both Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh in the playing XI, adding more depth to the batting order. However, both failed to create an impact as India struggled in the 188-run chase.

"But certainly, it's not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership and how important he is to the team. But look, we face almost every week to try to squeeze 11 places into 15. We're finding it tricky. And we need to make sure we get that spot on for the next two Super 8 games," he concluded.

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