IND vs SA: How Can You Send Axar Patel Ahead of Dinesh Karthik?: Former South African Captain Not Happy With Rishabh Pant's Tactics in 2nd T20I

Rishabh Pant’s tenure as India’s captain has had a rocky start. The Men in Blue have now lost back-to-back T20Is against South Africa, and another setback will see them lose their first series at home since February 2019. 

Heinrich Klassen’s masterful innings in Cuttack on Sunday night denied India victory. Against a well-established South African middle-order, the bowling squad, particularly the spinners, looked mediocre. Despite early hitches, the visitors chased down the 149-run mark with four wickets in hand, establishing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. 

All Eyes On Rishabh Pant’s Decision Making

Apart from India’s dismal bowling performance, observers were taken aback by Pant’s batting lineup strategy. India lost three wickets in rapid succession after a 45-run stand between Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. With seven overs remaining, Pant decided to deploy Axar Patel ahead of Dinesh Karthik, their most seasoned batter. 

While Axar was bowled for just nine runs, Karthik fought back with an unbeaten 21-ball 30 that included two boundaries and two sixes.

Former South African Captain Baffled By Decision Of Sending Axar Patel Ahead Of Dinesh Karthik

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who took part in the Star Sports discussion, had a perplexing reaction to the strategy. He went on to mention Karthik’s international cricket expertise, saying, 

“I don’t understand. When Karthik is one of the most experienced cricketers in India. Look at how many games he has played for India. Never mind the IPL. How can you send Axar Patel ahead him? This is mind-blowing,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa got off to a bad start thanks to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who found swing and claimed three wickets in the Powerplay, reducing them to 29 for 3 – their second-lowest powerplay score against India.

Bhuvneshwar became India’s third-highest T20I wicket-taker, trailing Jasprit Bumrah by four wickets and Yuzvendra Chahal by six. He came back to deliver a fourth over to take a fourth wicket, but the game was already decided in South Africa’s favor. 

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