India captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed that the team management was forced to take a “very harsh” decision while finalising the playing XI for the crucial Super Eight match against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Despite being fully fit and available, Axar Patel was left out of the lineup as India chose to continue with the same combination from their previous match. The decision surprised many fans, given Axar’s experience and all-round ability, especially in pressure games.
Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the call was not easy. He described it as harsh on Axar but explained that the team wanted to stick with a balanced XI that had already delivered results in the tournament.
“It’s very harsh on Axar Patel, but we are going with the same team. It’s purely a tactical decision,” the India skipper said.
India have looked confident throughout the tournament and entered the Super Eight stage unbeaten. The management clearly prioritised continuity and match rhythm over rotation, especially with the competition reaching its most decisive phase.
The Indian playing XI featured a strong mix of aggressive batters, seam bowling firepower, and spin options, with Washington Sundar continuing ahead of Axar Patel. The decision sparked debate among experts, but it underlined India’s intent to back form and stability.
On the other hand, South Africa made multiple changes to their lineup, bringing in fresh legs and experienced players in an effort to counter India’s momentum. The match, played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, was seen as one of the marquee clashes of the Super Eight stage.
As the tournament moves closer to the knockout rounds, selection calls like these highlight the fine margins at the highest level. Whether the decision pays off or not, India’s approach shows a clear focus on confidence, consistency, and tactical clarity in their quest for World Cup glory.
