‘We were looking at matchups’: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate breaks silence after Axar Patel snub sparks controversy
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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India’s decision to omit vice-captain Axar Patel from the T20 World Cup match against South Africa sparked widespread controversy after their dismal 76-run defeat in the Super 8 clash. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that the team management spent extensive time deliberating over the squad selection before opting for Washington Sundar instead of Axar. The decision backfired as India crumbled to a record low score of 111 while chasing 188, marking their biggest loss in T20 World Cup history and ending an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak in white-ball events.
Ten Doeschate explained that the selection was driven by tactical considerations rather than a lack of faith in Axar. The focus was on matchups against South Africa’s strong left-hand middle order, with the team prioritizing Rinku Singh as the eighth batsman and opting for Sundar’s powerplay bowling skills. However, the plan didn’t materialize as intended, as Sundar did not bowl in the crucial powerplay phase, leaving the optics of the decision to appear questionable.
The coach emphasized that Axar is an invaluable player to the team but acknowledged the challenges of selecting the best 11 players from a deep pool of talent. He stressed that such decisions are made with the goal of optimizing performance for each game and hoped Axar would understand the reasoning behind the omission, as all players must adapt to such situations in high-stakes tournaments.
The controversy highlights the pressures faced by India’s selectors in balancing experience, form, and strategy during a critical phase of the tournament. As the team prepares for upcoming matches, the focus will remain on making optimal selections to avoid similar pitfalls and secure their place in the semifinals.
Ultimately, ten Doeschate’s comments underscore the complexities of squad selection in elite sports and the need for players and fans alike to appreciate the strategic decisions made by the management, even when they don’t yield the desired results.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026