T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin points out India’s two key mistakes after Super 8 defeat to South Africa

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Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a stinging assessment of Team India‘s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected the ‘tactical vacuum’ in the Indian dugout, specifically targeting the decision-making of the Gautam Gambhir-led management. According to Ashwin, the defeat wasn’t just a failure of skill but a result of two ‘fundamental blunders’ that left the defending champions looking underprepared and structurally broken.

The MVP exclusion (Axar Patel benched for ‘match-ups’)

The most glaring error, according to Ashwin, was the omission of Axar Patel in favour of Washington Sundar. While the management reportedly favored Sundar to counter South Africa‘s left-handers, Ashwin argued that a World Cup campaign requires consistency and stability over microscopic IPL-style ‘match-ups.’ He pointed out that Axar has been India’s most reliable asset in the format and should have been an automatic starter.

“I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but you have to change the team because you are going to play 14 games. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better. I agree 100% that you have to use Washington Sundar against left-handers; you have to play him, I agree with all that. But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what Axar Patel has done.” Ashwin said.

Ashwin invoked the memory of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where Axar’s gritty partnership with Virat Kohli stabilized the innings, a role he could have easily replicated as India’s top order crumbled to 26/3 in the powerplay.

“In the previous World Cup, in the situation against South Africa, in which India was in the chase, Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and 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 down,” the former cricketer added.

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The Rinku Singh ‘demotion’ to No. 8

The second tactical error that drew Ashwin’s ire was the baffling decision to bat Rinku Singh at No. 8. To accommodate Washington Sundar higher up the order (at No. 5), the management effectively neutralized one of the world’s best T20 finishers. Ashwin argued that Rinku’s pedigree demands a more prominent role, rather than being used as a last-resort tail-ender when the match is already slipping away.

“Rinku Singh batting at No. 8. You have eight batters, and Rinku is batting at No. 8, he cannot be sent in to bat at such a position. No disrespect to Washington Sundar. He is a fabulous batter. We know his batting skills. It was a lesson South Africa taught India, ‘please don’t come to games underprepared’.” Ashwin concluded.

By the time Rinku walked out, India was reeling at 86/6, with the required rate soaring. The lack of a stable middle-order anchor, a role Ashwin believes should have belonged to Axar, meant Rinku had no platform to launch his trademark finish.

🚨 Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Question on Dropping Axar Patel 🚨

“In long IPL seasons, match-ups and rotation make sense. But in ICC World Cups, stability matters more.

Yes Sundar can be used for specific roles. But Axar Patel has been India’s T20 MVP. Let’s not forget what…

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) February 22, 2026

The match ended as a “catastrophe” for India, with the batting unit failing to show “application, intent, or discipline.” Despite a clinical opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah (3/15), the Proteas were allowed to recover through David Miller (63) and Dewald Brevis (45), eventually posting a formidable 187. India’s response was a mere whimper, bundled out for 111 in 18.5 overs.

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