'Overthinking cost India': Ajinkya Rahane blasts team management for dropping vice-captain Axar Patel
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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Ajinkya Rahane has criticized India's decision to bench Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup match against South Africa, arguing that overthinking match-ups cost the team dearly. The management opted for Washington Sundar due to South Africa's left-heavy top order but faced repercussions as Sundar underperformed, contributing to India's 76-run loss. Rahane highlighted Patel's strong record against left-handed batters and questioned the benching of a key player who was also the vice-captain. He stressed that while Sundar is a quality player, relying on match-up theories can be risky and urged trust in established performers.
The decision to rest Patel for the game against the Netherlands allowed Sundar his first outing but backfired in the crucial Super 8 clash. Despite expectations of Patel's return, the management stuck with Sundar, whose two overs yielded 17 runs at a high economy rate. This tactical switch failed to deliver results, as South Africa's middle order handled him comfortably. Rahane emphasized that while match-up strategies are considered, they don't guarantee success and can hinder team performance.
India's defeat has intensified pressure on coach Gautam Gambhir and the team think tank. With their campaign in jeopardy, India now faces a must-win clash against Zimbabwe to maintain semi-final hopes. The controversy underscores the challenges of player selection
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026