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India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed that he apologised to senior all-rounder Axar Patel after the 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 clash. Suryakumar revealed that vice-captain Axar was angry on getting dropped, replaced by Washington Sundar at his homeground, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Suryakumar’s decision was questioned by many while the team management said that they needed Washington Sundar to take the ball away from the left-handers. Axar’s absence led to a big defeat which affected India’s net run rate (NRR) as well.
"He (Axar Patel) was very angry — and he should have been. He’s an experienced player, he leads a franchise. He should be angry," Suryakumar told The Indian Express.
"I apologised. I told him I made a mistake, and I’m sorry, but it was a call for the team. It was a hard conversation. He took it in his stride and we talked it through the next day."
Axar’s performances after getting dropped
After the defeat to Aiden Markram, former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had said that Axar could’ve come in handy in the run chase where India lost early wickets.
In the must-win game against Zimbabwe, he was brought back in the side. He conceded 35 runs and claimed the wicket of opener Tadiwanashe Marumani right after the powerplay overs. He conceded 35 runs from his quota of four overs.
He remained wicketless in the game against West Indies, conceding 35 runs from four overs. He did not need to bat as Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 helped India get over the line with five wickets in hand.
The 32-year-old conceded 35 runs from three overs in the high-scoring semifinal against England. He knocked over Tom Banton after getting hit for a couple of sixes. Also, he took two spectacular catches which turned out to be the difference between the two.
Axar was impressive in the final against New Zealand. From three overs, he got the wickets of Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell. He conceded 27 runs in the final.
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