India, March 12 -- T20I vice-captain Axar Patel was dropped in two of the nine games India played en route to winning the T20 World Cup for the third time in history, both in Ahmedabad. One of those omissions came in the Super 8 clash against South Africa, which India lost by 76 runs and which briefly pushed them to the brink of elimination.

The defeat triggered criticism of the team management's decision to leave out Axar in such a crucial game. Although India maintained it was a tactical call, the all-rounder himself wasn't pleased with the decision.

With South Africa fielding several left-handers in their batting line-up, India opted to play Washington Sundar instead, hoping to gain a favourable match-up. On paper, the move appeared ...