“Please don't come to games underprepared” - Ravi Ashwin schools Team India after 76-run loss to South Africa

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has opened up on the reasons behind Team India’s 76-run loss to South Africa in their first Super8 clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, which is currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin questioned the exclusion of Axar Patel from the playing XI just for the sake of match-ups, adding that he has been the team’s MVP in the shortest format of the game.

"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 in a video on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin also strolled down memory lane to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa when Axar forged a 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli as India posted a good-looking 176-run total.

"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," he added.

Additionally, Ashwin also questioned the reason behind Rinku Singh batting at the end of the order at No.8 while Sundar was sent to bat at No.5. The defending champions are now in a tricky spot to win their remaining two Super8 clashes to advance to the semi-final.

"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.

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