Since 22 February 2026, Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team has been facing some talking from cricketers, commentators and experts from all across the world. India lost the game against South Africa with a big margin of 76 runs, denting their semi final chances in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Ajinkya Rahane, who currently plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL went onto question India's playing 11 choice and got a little angry post India's defeat.
Rahane ended up terming the team management and the captain as "too smart" to not play someone like Axar Patel - who apparently is the vice captain of the side.
Expressing his disappointment, he said - “I’m really surprised Axar Patel is not playing the match," Rahane said on Cricbuzz. “I don’t understand what is happening. Washington Sundar is a quality player — no one is against him — but Axar has been doing so well for India in different situations. Sometimes when you try to be too smart selection-wise, that can hamper you.”
Rahane added that Axar has performed well against left-handers and pointed to how South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj fared against India.
“You picked Washington because there are too many left-handers in the South African team, but he only bowled two overs. And there is no guarantee that an off-spinner will bowl only to left-handers," Rahane said.
“Axar’s record against left-handed batters is really good. We saw what Keshav Maharaj did today against the top left-handed batters. You have to play the quality player in your team, especially someone who has done really well for you in difficult situations time and again," he added.
India will now have to win both their matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies with a big margin to stay alive in the race of semi finals. Interestingly, if South Africa loses against West Indies on 26th February, India is almost certain to be out of this tournament.
