Sometimes, one night can change the mood of an entire tournament. For India, Sunday in Ahmedabad was that night.
Arriving at the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 unbeaten, India looked unstoppable. They were the defending champions and strong favourites, especially against a South African side they had beaten 4-1 in a bilateral T20I series last December. But cricket has a way of humbling even the best. South Africa stunned India with a crushing 76-run win, handing them their first T20 World Cup defeat since 2022.
The loss has left team India in a tight corner. To stay alive in the race for the semi-finals, they now need to win both their remaining matches and win big enough to significantly improve their net run rate.
Much of the discussion after the match centred on one major selection decision -India chose Washington Sundar over experienced all-rounder and vice-captain Axar Patel for this high-pressure clash. While it would be unfair to say Axar’s presence alone would have guaranteed victory, the move, though logical on paper, did not work out as hoped.
Axar Patel is known for his control and ability to slow the game in the middle overs. Without him, South Africa took charge during overs 7 to 16. After being reduced to 41/3 in the Powerplay, they rebuilt strongly. David Miller led the charge with a powerful counterattack, smashing 63 off just 35 balls. His half-century earned him the Player of the Match award and turned the game decisively. The Proteas collected 111/2 in the middle overs, shifting momentum completely.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained that Washington Sundar was selected mainly for his ability to bowl in the Powerplay. However, the situation did not demand his services during that phase. Jasprit Bumrah struck early with a fiery spell, dismissing two South African batters cheaply. Captain Suryakumar Yadav rotated his bowlers smartly in the first six overs – Arshdeep Singh bowled three, Bumrah two and Varun Chakaravarthy one, meaning Washington Sundar did not bowl in the period he was picked to influence.
From a tactical standpoint, the choice made sense. South Africa’s top order included three left-handers – Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller and an off-spinner like Washington Sundar seemed a better match-up than left-arm spinner Axar Patel. But two of those left-handers, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, were removed early by Jasprit Bumrah.
David Miller, however, launched a brutal assault that India struggled to contain. Washington Sundar finished with 0/17 from two overs, unable to make a breakthrough.
Questions also arose over Washington Sundar’s role with the bat. The team management values him highly as a batter and he was promoted to bat in the top five. But chasing 188, India faltered badly. Washington Sundar managed 11 off 11 balls as the innings collapsed. He walked in at No. 5 with India already in trouble at 26/3 in 4.3 overs, a situation where Axar Patel has previously shown composure and the ability to steady the ship. That comparison only added to the scrutiny.
After the match, Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision. He explained that the team’s analysis identified Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller as key threats. Given the conditions and match-ups, they preferred a bowler who could operate effectively in the Powerplay. He added that every selection decision is made with the team’s best interests in mind and expressed hope that Axar Patel would understand the reasoning.
But in tournament cricket, results speak louder than plans. And for India, this defeat was a sharp reminder that even well-thought-out strategies can unravel under pressure.
