South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in T20 World Cup Super 8. After the defeat, questions are being raised on the selection of Team India. Meanwhile, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed the reason for keeping Axar Patel out.
SA vs IND Super 8 Defeat: After the crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate spoke openly about the team selection. He also made a big revelation about not playing Akshar Patel in the match. Let us tell you that due to this defeat for India, its journey to the semi-finals has now become very difficult.
Why was Axar Patel thrown out of the match?
According to Team India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, the team management had a long discussion before deciding the playing XI. During this time, the decision to keep Vice-Captain Akshar Patel out was completely tactical and was taken keeping the team balance in mind.
Long discussion on playing XI, deep brainstorming on combination.
In the press conference after the match, Ten Doeschate said that a lot of thought was being given to the team combination for the last few days. The team had prepared the bowling plan especially keeping in mind the middle overs match-ups. We wondered whether to play an extra batsman or include another bowler. At that time we felt that Rinku was needed as the eighth batsman. The decision was taken on that basis.
Why did Washington Sundar get the place?
The team gave a chance to Washington Sundar to bring strength in variety and power play. Ten Doeschate clarified that this decision does not mean that the importance of Akshar Patel has diminished. He said, Akshar’s leadership and his role in the team is very important. But we have to choose 11 out of 15 players and it is getting harder every week.
Coach’s answer on IPL performance
When he was asked why Sundar did not get many opportunities in IPL, he said that the combination of IPL team is different. He told that he judges Sundar on the basis of his performance in the Indian team. He also said that Sundar’s bowling during the power play in the T20Is was an important part of the team’s strategy. The team had fielded three main bowlers and the plan was to use Sundar in the power play.
There was a special strategy against left-handers
Ten Doeschate said that the team felt that the biggest threat from South Africa would come from left-handers. Specifically mentioning Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller, he said that we selected a player who can bowl in the power play. Had the match conditions been different, Akshar would have been played.
Match condition: Miller-Brevis partnership changed the game
In the match, South Africa batted first and scored 187/7 runs in 20 overs. David Miller (63) and Dewald Brewis (45) made a partnership of 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Tristan Stubbs added 44 not out. Jasprit Bumrah (3/15), Arshdeep Singh (2/28), Varun Chakraborty (1/47) and Shivam Dubey (1/32) took wickets for India.
Indian batting was a complete flop
Chasing the target of 188 runs, the Indian team was reduced to just 111 runs in 18.5 overs. No batsman could score a half-century. Shivam Dubey scored the highest 42 runs. For South Africa, captain Aiden Markram (1/5), Marco Jensen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) bowled brilliantly.