“Why isn't he a part of the team?” - Aakash Chopra questions match-winner’s exclusion from playing XI vs SA

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has voiced his opinion on India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in their first Super8 clash in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned the Indian team management for dropping the Indian vice-captain Axar Patel from the playing XI for Washington Sundar, giving an example of how South Africa utilized Keshav Maharaj.

"Where were we left behind? The first thing that comes to my mind is, what team are we playing? You have appointed Axar Patel the vice-captain. If he is your team's vice-captain, why isn't he a part of the team? You needn't have made him the vice-captain," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

While India benched Axar as South Africa has three left-handed batters in their batting line-up, South Africa went on to play their star spinner Keshav Maharaj despite India boasting a lot of left-handed batters.

"You made him sit out in the last match. Never mind, as Washi hadn't played for such a long time, and you played him since you were playing against the Netherlands, but you made him sit out against South Africa. You said it's becoming a negative match-up as there are three left-handers in the opposition," he added.

"Sir, two of the three left-handers bat in the top three, and both were out in two overs. We have six left-handers among our eight batters, and South Africa said they would play Keshav Maharaj because he is their main bowler. They said they won't make Keshav sit out because he is important. For you, your vice-captain is not important. How is that okay?" Chopra concluded.

India is currently in a tricky situation to win their remaining two Super8 clashes against Zimbabwe and West Indies to advance to the semi-finals.

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