India snubbed Axar Patel for Washington Sundar vs South Africa. (Photo: PTI, Reuters)
Kotak described What made Washington pick Akshar.The only thing on the Indian team’s mind is winning the final two Super Eights games. Sitanshu Kotak has conceded that they are forced to make a decision and have no choice. Additionally, if needed, they will think about reorganizing the team.
Vice captain Axar Patel was left in the squad after Washington Sundar was selected to play against South Africa on the Ahmedabad field. This judgment was questioned by the Indian team on Sunday. Some cricket gurus were also taken aback by Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav’s choice. Axar was told by the coach and captain why Washington was prioritized. Sitanshu Kotak, the Indian team’s batting coach, explained the explanation to the media why What made Washington pick Akshar.
Aden Markram defeated Suryakumar’s India by 76 runs, casting doubt on the first XI choice. Regarding playing Washington, Kotak stated: “Prior to the game, Akshar was consulted by Gambhir and Surya. It should be obvious. The system is that. We thought having an off-spinner on the team would be beneficial. because there are three left-handers among South Africa’s best batting.” “The plan was to bowl Washington in the powerplay,” Kotak continued. However, he wasn’t required because we took a number of wickets early on.
Ahmedabad: India’s Axar Patel arrives at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Netherlands, in Ahmedabad, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI02_16_2026_000429A)
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How is India’s starting XI selected
How is the starting eleven for India chosen? “We pick the team based on the match,” Kotak stated. The opponent and the field are judged. The starting lineup is chosen in this manner. Akshar is an extremely self-assured cricketer. He has played well in a lot of games. We don’t doubt his skill. According to the captain and coach, this is also why he wasn’t used against South Africa. Even he understands the situation. We’re aware of our goals.Atlast What made Washington pick Akshar? Kotak described how the Indian squad gets chosen.
In every World Cup game, the starting duo was unable to perform properly. What is the reason behind Sanju Samson’s lack of opportunity? Sanju hasn’t scored much in the past several games, according to the hitting coach for the Indian side. He might not have a lot of confidence. Consequently, we didn’t consider playing him. Ishan Kishan, who is in form, was the one we choose. However, Sanju is unquestionably part of our intentions.” He added, “We might need to consider make some adjustments now. We’re going to make them wherever we see fit. Indeed, there are a few locations we could need to consider. Merely making modifications is insufficient. Additionally, we must consider the potential effectiveness of those adjustments.
What made Washington pick Akshar? Kotak described how the Indian squad gets chosen. After losing to South Africa in the Super Eights opening match, did the team feel pressured? “There’s always pressure,” Kotak remarked. There is pressure, particularly in any game played in India. It’s normal to feel pressure. No matter how skilled a pitcher or batter is, he knows the pressure when he steps onto the field. There is increased strain on batsmen. as the game of cricket is one-ball. The bowlers have an easy job. There is a possibility to recover later by bowling well, even if one or two balls are poor.
What made Washington pick Akshar? Kotak described how the Indian squad gets chosen. Regarding the pressure, Kotak added, “Given how much cricket we play, we have to play under pressure. There’s tension and everyone is under strain. Where else could a cricket player absorb the burden if he can’t handle it now? Pressure is on us to perform. We still have two matches to go. We know what needs to be done. We did have a rough day. We didn’t play well, so what choice do we have except to accept it? We also need to anticipate that.
What is the goal for the upcoming two games? Kotak remarked, “Very easy. Our goal when we enter the field is to win. We need to win both games. There isn’t another choice. We must tolerate this pressure. On Thursday, India will play their next game. The Suns will play Zimbabwe in Chennai at 22 yards.
India now face a must-win situation
India now has two games left to win after suffering one defeat in the Super Eight stage. But Kotak insisted the players are used to playing under pressure.
What made Washington pick Akshar? Kotak described how the Indian squad gets chosen. “You see, I think there is inherent pressure to do well in a typical game if you play in India. It affects all professionals, whether they are bowlers or batsmen. Because it’s a one-ball game, the batter is under additional strain. It’s different for a bowler. He can still bowl well even if he misses one or two balls.However, given how much cricket we play, we must accept that pressure. That worry and that pressure must be accepted by everyone. In the event that a bowler or batsman fails to accept it at this level, where will he take it?
Atfirst What made Washington pick Akshar? Kotak described how the Indian squad gets chosen. “So, the whole idea is that there will be pressure. However, two games remain. We are aware of our location. We have to admit that we had a horrible day and didn’t play well. And regardless of whether we can handle pressure or not, we will have to strive to win the two games correctly because we have no other choice.”
In order to maintain their aspirations of making it to the T20 World Cup semi-finals, India will now need to rapidly reassemble before their Super Eight matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
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