Banter between Parthiv Patel and renowned sports figure Rajdeep Sardesai goes viral post India's defeat vs SA in T20 World Cup 2026

Rajdeep Sardesai is a prominent news anchor and author with over 35 years of experience, having reported on games involving the Indian side. He is the son of the former Indian batter Dilip Sardesai. He was engaged in a funny banter with the former wicketkeeper of the Indian side, Parthiv Patel, after India’s 76-run defeat against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

In a post on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), Rajeev questioned whether the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which would remain the original home of Indian cricket, is a much luckier ground for the Blue Brigade than the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they have lost several vital games recently.

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“Can one ask a question: isn’t Mumbai, the original home of Indian cricket, a much luckier ground for India than Ahmedabad, to play key, big games? (Hopefully, if we get to the finals, our luck will turn at the NM stadium. Having said that, don’t believe in ‘panauti’ on the cricket field, just play better and this team India will win on any ground.” Sardesai expressed on his X post.

Rajdeep Sardesai and Parthiv Patel engaged in viral banter during T20 WC 2026

Parthiv Patel, who is from Gujarat, did not take this comment lightly and reckoned that India lost the 1987 World Cup semifinal in a different ground and not in Mumbai. He also claimed that India were not clinical with both bat and ball against the Proteas, which was the main reason behind their 76-run defeat.

“Great observation, sir.. India lost the 1987 World Cup semifinal in Mumbai? Having said that, it's about playing good cricket, and South Africa played better than us.” Patel replied to Sardesai’s tweet.

South Africa batted first to 187 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs before bundling out the Indian side for 111 and claimed a 76-run victory as David Miller was awarded the player of the match award for his fantastic half-century at a crucial stage of the game.