3 Reasons why India should not play Washington Sundar in the upcoming IND vs SA match in T20 World Cup 2026

Star all-rounder Washington Sundar played in India’s last group match against the Netherlands national cricket team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. India will start their Super 8 campaign against the South Africa national cricket team on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Men in Blue have been playing good cricket in the tournament. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team finished group stage matches with four wins out of four games.

Washington Sundar did not bat in the Netherlands match. With the ball, he could not take any wickets and gave 36 runs in four overs. This was his first match after coming back from injury.

India may change one or two players in the team for the Super 8 match. It is still not confirmed whether Sundar will play against South Africa. Here are three simple reasons why India may think about not playing him in the next game.

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3 reasons why India should not play Washington Sundar in the upcoming IND vs SA match

3. Washington Sundar’s T20I Record in Ahmedabad Is Not Very Strong

Washington Sundar has not shown very strong bowling numbers at the Narendra Modi Stadium in T20Is. He has played eight T20I matches at this venue.

In seven innings, he took only four wickets. His bowling average is 51.00, the strike rate is 35.25, and the economy rate is 8.68. In the IPL, he played three matches at this ground but could not take any wickets, giving 61 runs in eight overs.

Against the South Africa national cricket team, Sundar has played three T20Is but has not taken any wickets. He has given 76 runs in 11 overs.

2. Sundar May Not Fit India’s Current Batting Strategy

India is playing with an aggressive batting approach in T20 cricket. The team wants strong batting depth.

So far in this tournament, Abhishek Sharma has not scored big runs at the top. India may want more stability in the middle order.

Sundar’s batting style is not power-hitting. He averages 16.93 with a strike rate of 134.39. India may prefer a stronger finisher like Rinku Singh in the lower order.

1. India May Not Need Three Spinners in the Playing XI

If Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy play, India will have two main spinners. The team also has Shivam Dube, who can bowl when needed.

South Africa has some left-handed batters, but India has played matches without Sundar and still handled them well.

India wants strong batting depth. Playing a third spinner may reduce batting strength, especially against a strong team in the Super 8 stage.