Rinku Singh exposed as villain in Axar Patel snub drama!! India coach drops bomb

Assistant coach of Team India Ryan ten Doeschate clearly said that they did a massive mess-up against South Africa last night (February 22) in Ahmedabad. South Africa handed India, the defending champion in the 2026 T20 World Cup, a 76-run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

For this particular match, which is India's opening match in the Super 8, the management left out vice-captain Axar Patel on the bench to put Washington Sundar into the playing XI. Exclusion of the vice-captain from the playing combination ignited a widespread debate among cricket fans and experts.

Why Washington Sundar in, and Axar Patel out?

Unfortunately, the inclusion of Washington Sundar did not work for India according to the plans. Washington Sundar delivered only 2 overs and was unable to take any wickets. Why did the management choose Sundar over Patel? The assistant coach stated that they wanted to play the suitable bowlers in the middle. Subsequently, they wanted Rinku Singh at number eight, too. As a result, Axar Patel had to warm the bench.

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"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 that we did have the ideal start like we did today, getting Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton out so early. We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then, obviously, someone has to give way," the former Netherlands international explained.

India assistant coach explained why they picked Washington Sundar over Axar Patel

He further explained that because of Rinku Singh in the lineup and a suitable bowler in the middle, they chose Sundar over Patel, which did not mean that they took away Axar Patel's place from the team.

"So, do we leave a batter out and get another bowler in? In hindsight, that looks like the right decision. At the time, we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batsman, and the decision was based around that. But certainly, it's not to take anything away from Axar Patel and his leadership and how important he is to the team," the assistant coach added.

Messed up on a grand scale: Ryan ten Doeschate

The result reflects what the management thought before the match, which did not work according to plan. He said that it was a disappointing moment for the team, as they made a lot of mistakes. Though a win or defeat is all part of the game and the World Cup.

"Very disappointed in the performance. But when you set out to win a World Cup, don't expect someone to come deliver the World Cup to you halfway through the competition. We understand we've made a lot of mistakes tonight. You probably are allowed one mess-up in this phase of the competition. And we've messed up on a grand scale," ten Doeschate told the media after the match.

India will play their next Super 8 match in the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on February 26.

Read More: Washington Sundar involved in fiery clash with David Miller: Watch