T20 World Cup 2026: Sitanshu Kotak on Axar Patel's absence

In the T20 World Cup 2026, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak announced that Axar Patel won't play against South Africa, with Washington Sundar stepping in to tackle left-handed batters. Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir reassured Axar to keep his chin up. With India needing wins to boost their qualification chances, Sanju Samson might get a shot as well!

Quick rundown

1.Axar’s omission was a tactical call to balance left-handers, not a confidence issue.

2.Suryakumar Yadav and Gambhir spoke directly to Axar to reassure him.

3.Opening slot options include Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan.

4.India face two must-win games, with Net Run Rate as the tiebreaker.

5.Kotak says pressure comes with the sport, but the team is ready to respond.

Irfan Pathan ka suggestion: Axar ko laao bhai, warna kya hoga?
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Bhai log, Irfan Pathan keh rahe hain ki Axar Patel ko wapas laana padega! India ki team South Africa se 76 runs se haar gayi, aur humare batsmen toh aise ghoom rahe the jaise dance floor pe khud ko bhool gaye ho. Rinku Singh ka average 8 hai, yaar! Aisa lag raha tha jaise unhone sirf chai ki dukaan kholi hai. Toh ab thoda batting ka style badalna padega, warna semifinals ka kya hoga?
08:05 am on Monday, 23 February, 2026
T20 World Cup: Kotak says no experiments against Netherlands
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Arre bhai, Kotak keh rahe hain, Netherlands ke saath match mein koi bhi experiment nahi hoga! Kyunki India toh Super 8s mein aa gaya hai, ab kya karna? South Africa ke saath toh match hai, unka toh double Super Over ka scene hai! Ishan Kishan ne Pakistan ke saath aise khel diya jaise ghar ke chhat pe cricket khel rahe ho! Momentum banaye rakhna hai, samjhe?
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