Sunil Gavaskar Predicts Axar Patel’s Return for India vs South Africa

Sunil Gavaskar predicted Axar Patel may return to India’s XI against South Africa in Ahmedabad, with team management likely to adjust spin options.

Sunil Gavaskar has predicted a key change in India’s lineup for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight opener against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He expects vice-captain Axar Patel to return to the playing XI. Gavaskar believes the likely adjustment could see Arshdeep Singh exit.

He also indicated that Washington Sundar may retain his place due to his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially as a lower-order hitter. Gavaskar then suggested that the Ahmedabad surface may offer limited turn, reducing the need for Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Kuldeep featured sparingly against South Africa in the recent five-match T20I series.

“I feel Axar Patel will definitely come back to the playing XI for the Super 8 games. Now, whether he comes in place of Arshdeep Singh, we will have to wait and see,” Gavaskar said.

“Whether Washington keeps his place is another aspect we don’t know. My feeling is that Washington will probably keep his place. On a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on a pitch with hardly any turn, the team management might not go with Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep also did not play too many matches against South Africa in the five-match T20I series,” he continued.

READ ALSO | Zimbabwe Chase 179 Against Sri Lanka to Seal Top Spot in Group Stage

“My feeling is that Washington Sundar, being able to bat at number eight and hit the ball, gives him an advantage. So I feel only the return of Axar Patel in place of Arshdeep Singh will be the change,” Gavaskar added.

India enters the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after an unbeaten group campaign. They face South Africa on February 22 in Ahmedabad, Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai, and the West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata.