Why was Axar Patel benched vs SA? Indian assistant coach opens up

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has revealed the reason behind benching the Indian vice-captain Axar Patel, stating that the decision was taken after a lengthy discussion and it was purely tactical and based on team balance.

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Speaking in the post-match press conference after India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super8 clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Doeschate asserted that the Indian team management had talked about Axar Patel’s place extensively ahead of the game.

“Yeah, we spent so much time deliberating about the XI, the last couple of days. And I guess the only way that it sort of didn't play into our hands is if we did have the ideal start like we did today with getting Quinton and Rickelton out so early,” Ryan ten Doeschate said.

"We were kind of looking at matchups more in the middle. And then obviously, someone has to give way. So, do we leave a batter out and get another bowler in? In hindsight, that looks like the right decision. But obviously, playing it forward and making decisions at the time, we felt we needed Rinku, as an eighth batsman, so to speak. And the decision was based around there,” he added.

Interestingly, India went ahead with both Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh in the playing XI against the Proteas, adding more depth to the batting order. However, the ploy failed to create an impact in the chase for the defending champions.

"But certainly, it's not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership and how important he is to the team. But look, we face almost every week to try to squeeze 11 places into 15. We're finding it tricky. And we need to make sure we get that spot on for the next two Super 8 games," he stated.

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