Axar or Sundar? Why not both says Shastri ahead of India's do-or-die Super 8s clash
India Today
IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup Super 8s: Former India coach Ravi Shastri advocates playing both Axar Patel and Washington Sundar against Zimbabwe, saying the team needs an extra bowling option after their loss to South Africa.
Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has called for defending champions India to field both spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in their crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
India faces a must-win situation after suffering a 76-run defeat to South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The loss ended India's 12-match winning streak across the last two editions of the tournament and has put pressure on the team ahead of their remaining Super Eight fixtures against Zimbabwe and the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday.
The team management's decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel in favour of Sundar against South Africa drew heavy criticism from experts and fans. Sundar bowled just two overs, conceding 17 runs without taking a wicket, and scored 11 off 11 balls at number five.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav explained at the toss that Sundar's selection was a tactical call aimed at countering South Africa's three left-handed batters in their top five. The right-arm off-spinner was expected to turn the ball away from the left-handers, unlike left-arm spinner Axar, who would have been easier for them to attack.
However, the strategy failed to deliver results. Varun Chakravarthy's struggles compounded India's bowling woes, leaving the team short of options on the day.
"I think they have to bring him (Axar Patel) back. You need that experience," Shastri told ICC Review, advocating for the vice-captain's return to the playing XI.
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