- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs ZIM T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: Ex-India cricketer Ravi Shastri has suggested that reigning champions India should include both the spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar for their next Super 8s match against Zimbabwe, which will be held on Thursday at the Chepauk stadium. The hosts are currently in a do-or-die situation after suffering a massive loss in Ahmedabad last week.
This defeat ended India's 12-match winning streak in the last two T20 World Cups, and they are now under immense pressure ahead of their upcoming Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
The Indian team management chose to drop vice-captain Axar Patel from the playing XI and replace him with Washington Sundar during the match against South Africa. They were thus criticised harshly by both experts and fans. Sundar bowled just two overs, giving away 17 runs and going wicketless. He had scored 11 runs off as many balls when he came into bat at No.5 position.
TACTICAL MATCHUP BACKFIRES
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed at the time of the toss that picking Sundar was a tactical strategy as they wanted to match the Proteas' three left-handed batters in their top five. Sundar was supposed to turn the ball away from their left-handers, and if Axar had been there, it would have become easier for them to bat.
But this decision didn't work in India's favour. Varun Chakravarthy was also seen struggling, leaving the Men in Blue short of options that day.
SHASTRI BACKS DUAL SPIN ATTACK
"I think they have to bring him (Axar Patel) back. You need that experience," Ravi Shastri was quoted as saying to ICC review.
"I would say play both (Patel and Sundar). Give yourself that extra option. Because on a given day, you're bound to have one bowler who's going to have an off day. Like, for example, Varun Chakravarthy on Sunday. He was not at his best, and he paid the price for it," he said.
Shastri emphasised that a batting lineup should have both spinners. Since Hardik Pandya bats at No.5, Shivam Dube at six, and Washington Sundar at seven, Axar can come in at No. 8 or be moved up the order if the situation arises.
RINKU SINGH'S ABSENCE OPENS THE DOOR
The Indian team management has been handed another selection headache as star batter Rinku Singh has flown back owing to a family emergency. There's a high chance he won't make the cut for the match against Zimbabwe.
"Now, if eight batters can't do the job in T20 cricket, then something's wrong, especially with that kind of firepower. What you're missing out on is that you're not giving yourself that extra option of a bowler, which I think is important. Rinku Singh might have to miss out. But if he has to come in, he has to come in place of a specialist batter," he concluded.
The team management will then directly replace Rinku with Axar, giving them an extra bowler, as Shastri opines that it will not disturb their balance of specialist batters.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will aim to bounce back after their match against Zimbabwe, as they will lock horns with the West Indies later this week in Kolkata. As their title defence is now hanging by a thread, the selectors will now have to make some harsh decisions in the next few days.