South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Standings: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s selection decisions following India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match on February 22, 2026.
India suffered a heavy loss to South Africa national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium, triggering debate among fans and experts over the team’s tactics and playing XI.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin criticised the decision to leave out Axar Patel and include Washington Sundar in the playing XI. He said the move did not work in India’s favour.
Ashwin recalled Axar’s role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 final win, where he shared a crucial 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli to help India post 176 against South Africa. India went on to win that final.
“In the previous World Cup, in a similar situation against South Africa, Axar Patel came in and stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli. India crossed 170. Of course, Kohli’s experience was there, but Axar is not inferior. If India had a few wickets in hand and stability in the middle overs, they would have chased the target,” Ashwin said.
He added that while Sundar has been effective, Axar has proved his value in T20 internationals.
Ashwin also urged the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, to maintain stability in the playing XI during major ICC events.
“I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but in the IPL you play 14 games and can rotate players. In ICC tournaments, the more stable you can keep the team, the better,” Ashwin said.
He said Sundar remains important, especially against left-hand batters, but stressed that Axar’s past performances for India should not be overlooked.
“Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what Axar Patel has done,” he said.
India v South Africa | Match Highlights | ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
SUPER 8 – GROUP 1 STANDINGS - ICC MEN'S T20 WORLD CUP 2026
| POS | TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | N/R | TIED | NET RR | POINTS |
|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +3.800 | 2 |
| 2 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -3.800 | 0 |
| 3 | West Indies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
