India's Team Management Prioritizes Match-Ups Over Hierarchy in T20 World Cup Decision
The Indian cricket team management has consistently emphasized placing the team above individual players, a philosophy that has shaped several high-profile decisions in recent times. This approach was evident in the selection of Shubman Gill as ODI captain over Rohit Sharma and his subsequent exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad despite serving as vice-captain. These moves were framed as efforts to eliminate a perceived 'superstar culture' and prioritize the collective needs of the team.
Axar Patel Benched for Washington Sundar in Crucial Super 8 Match
This same line of thinking underpinned the controversial call to bench Axar Patel, India's designated vice-captain for the T20 World Cup, and replace him with Washington Sundar for the Super 8 match against South Africa. Axar's rise as a key international player was cemented when he rescued India's innings batting at number five in the previous edition's final against the same opponent. However, the team management opted for match-up considerations, selecting Sundar, who had recovered from a rib fracture just twelve days prior to the match.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the treatment of vice-captains, stating, "I don't think it's as straightforward as that," offering a guarded response to the decision. Meanwhile, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak commented, "Axar has played so much cricket that his confidence won't be dented because of this move. As I said, coach and captain must have clearly told him why they took such a call."
Match-Up Strategy Under Scrutiny After South Africa Defeat
The decision to favor Sundar's off-spin against South Africa's three left-handed batters has raised eyebrows, especially given Axar's proven track record with his flattish left-arm spin against left-handers. Doeschate explained, "We were kind of looking at match-ups more in the middle order. In hindsight it looks like the right decision (to play Axar), but at the time we felt we needed Rinku as an eighth batter." He added, "Axar only occasionally bowls in the Powerplay but we felt that we have got Washy to a point where he's found a way of being effective there."
However, the plan did not unfold as intended. South Africa's left-handers, Quinton de Kock and Jordan Ricketon, were dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah, limiting Sundar to just two overs in the match. Kotak noted, "The actual plan was to bowl Washy inside the Powerplay but that, you know, can change as per match situation." Interestingly, Sundar was not utilized more even when David Miller was batting aggressively, and he was not considered for the Asia Cup on spin-friendly pitches in the UAE last September.
Batting Order Decision Adds to Confusion
Beyond bowling, the decision to send Sundar to bat at number five, with a career average of 16 and a strike rate of 130, while the required run rate exceeded 10 per over, has drawn criticism. Doeschate offered a vague explanation, saying, "Had Axar played, we would have used him at that position because we try to extend our power hitting." He insisted there was no panic in the camp, but as India progresses to the tournament's crucial stages, greater clarity in team selection and strategy is imperative.
The contrast with South Africa's approach is stark; they relied on their experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj against India's six powerful left-handed batters, highlighting a potential flaw in the Indian management's thought process. This decision underscores the ongoing debate about balancing team hierarchy with tactical flexibility in high-stakes tournaments.
