Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane slammed the decision to leave all‑rounder Axar Patel on the bench for the Super‑8 clash against South Africa, calling it an “over‑smart” move that cost India a 13‑run defeat and pushed the team to the brink of elimination. Rahane warned that over‑thinking selection can backfire, especially when it removes a balanced bowler and experienced vice‑captain from the playing eleven.
Rahane’s Critique of the Decision
In a terse video statement, Rahane highlighted that India’s management opted for debutant seamer Sundar over Axar Patel, despite Patel’s role as a frontline left‑arm orthodox spinner and vice‑captain. He argued that benching a player who offers balance, experience, and a calm presence is a miscalculation that jeopardised the team’s chances.
Axar Patel’s Role and Recent Form
Axar Patel, 28, has been a regular in India’s limited‑overs squads since 2018, boasting a respectable economy (7.2 in ODIs, 7.5 in T20Is) and useful lower‑order batting. His standout performance in the 2025 World Cup—3 for 22 against Pakistan—demonstrated his knack for breaking partnerships. Although his recent spell of 4 overs for 28 runs against Sri Lanka raised questions, his ability to bowl in the middle overs and contribute runs remained valuable.
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The “Over‑Smart” Selection Debate
India’s selection policy has faced criticism for last‑minute changes. The pitch report for the South Africa match suggested a flat, low‑bounce surface favouring spin, a condition where Patel’s left‑arm angle could have been decisive. Opting for a seamer to exploit early swing ignored the middle‑over spin advantage and removed Patel’s batting depth, which added 22 runs against Sri Lanka.
Impact on India’s World Cup Campaign
The immediate fallout was a 13‑run loss, leaving India needing a win against the West Indies to stay alive. The benching of Patel sparked debate over whether the team is over‑relying on short‑term data and undervaluing senior experience. This move also exposed India’s weakness in death‑over bowling, a gap Patel could have helped fill with his economical spell.
Expert Perspectives
Former bowler Harsha Bhogle supported Rahane’s view, stating that over‑engineering a game plan can be detrimental and that Patel’s experience is a valuable currency in a World Cup. Coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged that selection decisions are complex, emphasizing that the team will review performances and adjust as required.
What Lies Ahead for India
India now faces a do‑or‑die match against the West Indies. The management must decide whether to retain the current eleven or reinstate Patel. Continuing with the same lineup risks repeating strategic missteps, while bringing Patel back could restore balance and demonstrate responsiveness to criticism.
- Key takeaway: Over‑smart selection can undermine team balance.
- Potential outcome: Reinstating Patel may improve middle‑over control and lower‑order batting.
- Future focus: Aligning youthful energy with seasoned composure will be crucial for India’s knockout hopes.
