Team India’s selection bet backfired in Ahmedabad; Axar Patel had to be benched:

News India Live, Digital Desk: In a very important Super-8 match of T20 World Cup 2026, the Indian team had to face a shameful defeat in its own home. While chasing the huge target of 198 runs against South Africa, the Indian batting collapsed like a house of cards and the entire team was reduced to just 121 runs. However, the ‘tactical’ decisions of the match are being discussed more than the defeat.

Why did Akshar Patel vs Washington Sundar controversy happen?

Even before the start of the match, the fans were surprised when at the time of the toss, captain Suryakumar Yadav announced that Akshar Patel (who was in excellent form) is once again out of the playing XI and in his place washington beautiful has been retained.

Match-up logic: Team management and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate argued that South Africa’s top order included players like Quinton de Kock and David Miller. Left-handers Are. Sundar is an off-spinner who takes the ball away from left-handed batsmen, while Axar (a left-arm spinner) finds the balls in his court.

How did the bet fail? Captain Surya did not bowl to Sundar in the powerplay. He was brought in when Miller and Brewis were set. Sundar gave 17 runs in 2 overs and did not get any wicket. Even with the bat he could score only 11 runs.

Questions raised on Gautam Gambhir and team management

Akshar Patel had taken 6 wickets in 3 matches before being eliminated in this World Cup. Fans and veterans are not liking keeping him out for the second consecutive match on his home ground (Ahmedabad).

Bad form of Abhishek Sharma: Opener Abhishek Sharma’s continuous failure (0 and 5 runs) also increased the pressure.

Samson’s promotion: Sanju Samson was tried at number 3, but he was also out cheaply.

Gambhir’s strategy: On social media, fans are targeting coach Gautam Gambhir that the exclusion of an in-form player due to ‘match-up’ was the main reason for the defeat.

What will be the impact on the points table?

With this defeat, the path to the semi-finals has now become difficult for India. Team India will now not only have to win its next two matches (against Netherlands and West Indies) but will also have to improve its Net Run Rate (NRR).