Former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned India’s selection after a big loss against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday. South Africa bested India by 76 runs in the Super 8 stage as the Proteas dominated the contest from the get-go.
Vaughan slammed India for playing Washington Sundar ahead of vice-captain Axar Patel against the Proteas. Sundar was played because of the number of left-handers in the South African batting order but the ploy didn’t work as the off-spinner returned with figures of 0-17. Furthermore, the left-hander was dismissed after scoring a run-a-ball 11.
On the other hand, Axar Patel had performed consistently in the first three matches of the World Cup but Sundar was added to the playing XI against the Netherlands.
Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz, “You have to look at the selection with Axar Patel not playing. I’ve no idea why they came to that conclusion. He should have been in the 11, having been a standout player. Even his record against left-handers is fantastic, so that’s not an excuse. From the selection, they’ve gone against some real basics of the game. And with the bat, you just played in one style and method.”
“I want to know the person who was around in the board meeting that said we should play Washington Sundar. There is no way in a million years this happens. If you are winning, you just carry on.”
On the other hand, India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane also expressed his surprise after Axar Patel was dropped from the playing XI.
“I am really surprised by Axar Patel not playing. I don’t understand what is happening. Washington Sundar is a quality player so no one is against him. But Axar has been doing so well for India in different situations. Sometimes, when you become too smart selection-wise, that can hamper you,” said Rahane (via the aforementioned source).
“You took Washington Sundar for their lefties and he only bowls two overs. There is no guarantee an offie will do well against left-handers. We saw Keshav Maharaj did today. So you have to play the quality player in your team, especially one who has done really well for you in difficult situations, time and again.”
India will next take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Thursday.
