India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted that leaving out Axar Patel for a crucial match during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup was his mistake. The captain revealed that Axar was understandably upset by the decision, prompting him to issue a profuse apology after the game.
The decision came during India’s Super 8 match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, which turned out to be India’s only defeat in the tournament. Axar had earlier missed the group stage match against the Netherlands due to minor injury concerns, but his exclusion against South Africa was a tactical decision. Washington Sundar was included instead. Speaking to The Indian Express, Suryakumar said that talking to Axar after the match was difficult.
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“He (Axar Patel) was very upset – and he should have been. He is an experienced player, he is leading a franchise. He should be upset,” Suryakumar said.
“I apologized. I told him I made a mistake and I’m sorry, but it was a challenge for the team. It was a tough conversation. He took it in his stride and we talked about it the next day.”
India suffered a heavy 76-run defeat in the Super 8 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium and the decision to drop Axar has become one of the most debated selections of the tournament.
HOW WAS AXAR PATEL T20 WORLD CUP 2026?
India quickly rectified the decision by bringing Axar back into the side for their next Super 8 match against the Zimbabwe national cricket team.
From that point on, the all-rounder played a key role in India’s successful title defense.
Axar finished the tournament with 11 wickets from eight matches while maintaining an economy rate of around 8.20, making him one of India’s most reliable bowlers.
In the final against the New Zealand national cricket team, he produced one of his best performances, taking three wickets for 27 runs to help India seal the trophy.
Axar also contributed in the semi-final against England by pulling two excellent catches that shifted the momentum towards India.
He made quick and valuable runs with the bat whenever the team called for an acceleration.
India eventually won the tournament and successfully defended their T20 World Cup title, becoming the first side to do so while lifting the trophy on home soil.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 12, 2026 10:09 AM IST
