Axar Patel Set to Return as India Likely Make One Change for T20 World Cup Super 8 Match
India are expected to bring back all‑rounder Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar for their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against South Africa, maintaining team balance and experience
Ahmedabad|February 22, 2026: Ahmedabad: Ahead of India’s high‑stakes Super 8 encounter against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, experts predict a likely change in the Indian playing XI with all‑rounder Axar Patel returning to the side.
India secured their spot in the Super Eight stage with a dominant group‑stage performance. With the marquee match set at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, former players and analysts suggest that management might make only one alteration bringing Axar Patel back into the XI.
Veteran cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh, have recommended the inclusion of Axar for his balance and bowling options, possibly at the expense of pace or spin alternatives. They highlight his value as a left‑arm spinner and a handy lower‑order batter, especially on a pitch that may not offer significant turn.
Probable XI predictions from multiple sources include players such as Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy. The decision reflects India’s intention to maintain a versatile and experienced lineup while preserving continuity after an unbeaten run in the group stage.
Team management faces a key strategic choice, balancing bowling depth with batting firepower, as India aim for a strong Super 8 start against a competitive South African side.
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