'That is shocking': Gautam Gambhir faces heat after Axar Patel sits out IND vs SA T20 World Cup Super 8 match
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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India’s decision to exclude Axar Patel from their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against South Africa on Sunday sparked widespread criticism among fans. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team stuck with the same playing XI as the previous game, keeping Washington Sundar in the lineup despite Axar’s impressive performances. This move was described as a tactical decision, but many questioned its logic, especially given the strong fan support for Axar. Social media buzzed with frustration, with fans calling out the reasoning behind excluding him while retaining others.
The match itself saw South Africa falter initially after losing the toss and opting to bat first. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh quickly took wickets, reducing South Africa to 20/3 in four overs. However, David Miller and Dewald Brevis staged a remarkable comeback, driving India’s bowlers hard and rebuilding their innings. Their partnership shifted the momentum, allowing South Africa to post a competitive total of 187/7.
India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah with three wickets for just 15 runs, showed strong performances. Arshdeep Singh also chipped in with two wickets. Despite these efforts, the match set a challenging target for India, highlighting the impact of South Africa’s middle-order resurgence. The omission of Axar Patel and the resulting fan backlash underscored the high stakes and scrutiny surrounding India’s T20 World Cup campaign. This decision not only affected the team’s dynamics but also reignited debates about selection strategies and player performance expectations in high-pressure tournaments.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026