After the defeat in the Super-8 match against South Africa, former spinner R Ashwin has raised questions on two big decisions of Team India. He believes that it is not right to change the team combination in a big tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin slams Team India

IND vs SA: Following India's defeat against South Africa in the Super 8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, questions have arisen about team selection. This defeat has not only prompted reflection from fans but also from former players. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin openly expressed his displeasure after the match and cited two key decisions by the team management as key reasons for the defeat.

Ashwin expressed his displeasure

All-rounder Axar Patel, a long-time reliable player in the T20 format, was not included in India's playing XI against South Africa. Washington Sundar was included in his place. Ashwin believes that frequently changing team combinations in major tournaments is not a good strategy. Match-up strategies may work in the IPL, but consistency is more important in tournaments like the ICC.

Ashwin also recalled that during the last T20 World Cup, when the team was in a difficult situation, Axar Patel formed a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli and helped the team reach a respectable score. He believes Axar could have played the same role and steadied the team in the current match.

Questions raised over Rinku Singh's batting position

The former off-spinner also questioned another decision by the team, sending young batsman Rinku Singh to bat at number 8. Ashwin said that sending a player like Rinku to bat so low raises questions about the team's strategy. When the team is fielding eight batsmen, such a match-winner should be given a chance in the top or middle order.

During the match, India sent Sundar to bat at number 5, a decision considered surprising. Ashwin clearly stated that this defeat taught the team that entering big matches with inadequate preparation can prove costly.

This defeat could complicate the path to the Super 8s for Team India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav. It remains to be seen whether the team management will adjust its combination for the upcoming matches or continue with the same strategy.