IND vs SA: Why is Axar Patel not playing against South Africa Today in Super 8 Clash?

India are up against South Africa in their first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 match on Sunday (February 22) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

At the Toss, South Africa captain Aiden Markram chose to bat first. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed to go with the same team, at the expense of Axar Patel.

IND vs SA Why is Axar Patel not playing against South Africa Today in Super 8 Clash

"We were also looking to bat first, good occasion for everyone to come up and show what we have got. We have good energy on the field and we will take the result whatever comes our way. Happy to bowl first. Very harsh on Axar Patel, we are going with the same team. So no changes," Surya said at the Toss.

Axar Patel misses Out Again

Aksar Patel has missed out on his home turf yet again. The all-rounder, who is also the vice captain of the Indian team, was not part of the playing 11 against the Netherlands. And he has been left out yet again, although he has been excellent with both bat and ball in recent times. It seems a harsh call, as the Indian captain kind of explained their reason.

Why is Axar Patel Not Playing vs South Africa Today?

Axar Patel is not playing as the Indian team has cited to preserve their winning combination for this match. The Gujarat-born has so far picked up 6 wickets in three matches and also scored 14 runs with the bat in a solitary innings, but has been put on the bench yet again.

Washington Sundar missed out the first couple of matches for lack of fitness and then played against the Dutch in Ahmedabad in India's final group stage encounter. He didn't bat and conceded 36 runs in his four overs with the ball.

Although Axar's omission feels harsh, it is mainly tactical from India as they look to tackle the southpaws in the Proteas side. With the likes of Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, David Miller in the South African side, an off-spinner such as Washington can be more effective against those left-handed batters, and that seems the sole reason.