India, Feb. 23 -- India's 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 has once again forced the spotlight on the pressing issues, such as team selection and the growing obsession with batting all-rounders. For the contest against the Proteas, the think tank spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir, decided to field Washington Sundar in the playing XI ahead of the more accomplished Axar Patel. The call was dictated by the presence of three left-handers in the Proteas batting lineup, namely, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller.

The tenth edition of the tournament has also seen Kuldeep Yadav playing just the one match against Pakistan in Colombo. The hosts have decided to keep him on the bench, as Varun...