Did you expect Axar Patel to miss the cut?
It shocks every fan. The vice-captain is out. Washington Sundar is in.
This changes everything for India’s T20 World Cup campaign.
- Axar Patel excluded despite recent IPL form.
- Washington Sundar picked for specific role flexibility.
- Team balance drives selection logic over seniority.
Why Axar Was Snubbed
Here is the deal: Selection isn’t just about stats.
You might see Axar’s runs. But selectors see role fit.
Left-arm spin depth is already high.
Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja cover similar grounds. Adding Axar creates redundancy.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Axar Patel looking disappointed on bench | Alt Text: Axar Patel snub India squad]
But there’s a catch: His batting position is crowded too.
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offer more power hitting.
Why Washi Made It
So why Washington Sundar?
He offers something unique.
Washi bowls off-spin. This breaks up the left-arm dominance.
You get variety in the attack. Opponents hate facing different spin angles.
Plus, his batting is stable in the middle order.
He acts as a safety net if top order fails.
Impact on Team
This move signals aggression.
India wants match-winners, not just names.
Check this selection cheat sheet:
- Spin Variety: Washi adds off-spin option.
- Batting Depth: Washi bats higher than Axar.
- Fielding: Both are elite, but Washi fits the balance.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Washington Sundar bowling off-spin | Alt Text: Washington Sundar India T20 strategy]
Here’s the truth: Form is temporary. Role is permanent.
The team management prioritizes specific match-ups over reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Axar Patel play in future World Cups?
Yes, his skill remains high. This is specific to T20 balance.
Is Washington Sundar a better bowler than Axar?
Not necessarily. But his off-spin offers better variety for this squad.
Does this affect Axar’s IPL career?
No. IPL franchises value his all-round utility differently than national selectors.
Now it’s your turn.
Do you agree with dropping Axar for Washi?
Drop your comment below. Let’s debate the strategy.
