Team India’s batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate backed the decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 fixture against South Africa. He stated that the team management believed Washington Sundar presented more favorable match-ups against the Proteas line-up, while also allowing the side to incorporate Rinku Singh at No. 8.
South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22, in the course of the Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026. Batting first, the Proteas made 187/7 before dismissing India for 111 in 18.5 overs. The omission of Axar from the XI for such a key encounter sparked widespread debate amongst fans and experts.
Addressing the media after the match, Ten Doeschate explained the reasoning behind the choice, saying:
“We spent a lot time deliberating concerning the XI the last couple of days. And I assume the one way that it kind of didn’t play into our hands is we did have the best start like we did today, getting Quinton [de Kock] and [Ryan] Rickleton out so early. We were form of match-ups more in the center. After which, obviously, someone has to collapse.”
“So, can we leave a batter out and get one other bowler in? in hindsight, that appears like the suitable decision. On the time, we felt we wanted Rinku as an eighth batsman, and the choice was based around there. But actually, it’s to not take anything away from Axar Patel and his leadership and the way essential he’s to the team,” the previous Netherlands cricketer explained.
“We’ve Messed Up”: Ryan ten Doeschate On India’s T20 WC 2026 Loss
Looking back at India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa within the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash on Sunday, Ryan ten Doeschate conceded that it was a particularly disappointing outing. He admitted the defeat dented India’s semifinal possibilities but urged the team to bounce back quickly, saying:
“Very upset within the performance. But once you got down to win a World Cup, don’t expect someone to return deliver the World Cup to you halfway through the competition. We understand we’ve made plenty of mistakes tonight. You most likely are allowed one mess up on this phase of the competition. And we’ve tousled on a grand scale.”
“Now, the onus is on this group of men to show around and put in two solid performances against Zimbabwe and West Indies,” he concluded.
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