T20 World Cup 2026: 'I would definitely bring Axar Patel in' - Ex-India star wants all-rounder to come back to Playing XI

Published - 24 Feb 2026, 18:20 IST | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 19:31 IST

After India's disappointing 76-run loss against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, February 22, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel wants the Men in Blue to pick the likes of Axar Patel back in the squad. Notably, Axar sat out for the Motera encounter, as India entered the field with Washington Sundar instead.

Parthiv has expressed his confidence in how Axar has managed to show his bag of tricks over the years for the Indian team, especially in white-ball cricket. Furthermore, the retired cricketer also wants India to keep an eye on handing a chance to Sanju Samson, as opener Abhishek Sharma and No. 3 batter Tilak Varma are not playing to the best of their abilities.

"I would like to see Axar Patel coming back into the team. He has played crucial knocks in the past. Yes, match-ups come into play, but I would definitely bring Axar Patel in. There is also the question of Sanju Samson. There could even be a homecoming for him in Chennai now. It is something India would definitely be considering, especially given the glaring problem Indian left-handers are facing against off-spinners," Parthiv said via JioStar.

Parthiv, who has himself been a wicketkeeper-cum-opening batter in the past, is well aware of Samson's form at the moment, but bringing in a right-hander could result in providing variety to the batting order.

"Yes, Sanju Samson is not in great form either, but bringing in a right-hander could offer a different perspective. Or maybe, India could just try changing the batting order. If Sanju Samson comes in, he should bat at number three. If he does not play, then Surya has to bat at three," Parthiv added.

India will face Zimbabwe in their next contest of the Super Eights stage at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on February 26. It will be interesting to see the combination the Suryakumar Yadav-led side opts for against the Chevrons.