“He is in my playing XI for sure” - Sanjay Bangar wants a star Indian player in the Super 8 game against South Africa

Former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar has stated that he would surely slot the all-rounder Axar Patel in his playing XI for the Super 8 clash against South Africa in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, on Sunday, February 22, in Ahmedabad.

Advertisment

Speaking exclusively on the Star Sports channel, Bangar highlighted Axar’s crucial performance with the ball against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage, adding that he can bat at important positions and field well, making his gameplay more suitable to the format.

"He (Axar Patel) is in my playing XI for sure because he is a high-quality player. He has performed on most occasions. Even in the game against Pakistan, he picked up those crucial wickets. He is an underrated cricketer," Sanjay Bangar said on the Star Sports channel.

"He can bat at important positions, fields well as well, and is more suitable to the T20 format, if you compare Washington Sundar's batting versus Axar Patel's batting at this stage. India may be tempted to play Washington Sundar, but Axar Patel necessarily takes the ball away from the left-handers as well. So you have to make a choice," he added.

Furthermore, the former cricketer also reckoned that he would love to see Kuldeep Yadav if the surface is on a drier side, as he could spin the ball away from the left-handers. India will lock horns with South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

"I think the more difficult decision would be whether to play Kuldeep or that extra seamer, and that is a call that the team management may have to make, taking into account the pitch conditions right before the start of the match," he noted.

"India have historically had a fabulous record when the spinners have been on song. If the pitch is slightly on a drier side, I would be tempted to go with Kuldeep and Varun. Kuldeep can spin the ball away from the left-handers. That means you do not have to actually have an off-spinner in your mix," he concluded.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!