Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today in IND vs NED T20 World Cup Match?

Team India is all set to play its final group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands. The Men in Blue are already through to the Super 8 stage and will treat this match as a preparation ahead of the more difficult matches coming forward.

India's captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bat first on a ground where chasing is usually preferred. Suryakumar also announced two changes in the playing 11 with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav missing out.

Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today Against Netherlands?

In a big change ahead of this Group A clash, India's vice-captain Axar Patel has been left out. Suryakumar mentioned at the toss that Axar has been rested ahead of the Super 8 stage, where his performance can dictate the outcome of the game.

The Indian team management has brought in the another all-rounder Washington Sundar as Axar Patel replacement for this game. Sundar is coming off an injury that he suffered during the ODI series against New Zealand. There were questions about his fitness but he made it into India's T20 World Cup squad at the last moment.

Replacing a quality all-rounder like Axar won't be easy for Sundar in the IND vs NED T20 World Cup 2026 match. Axar is one of the best all-rounders in the world and a key part of India's T20I team. Being the vice-captain, he is also a part of team's leadership group.

Although he is not playing this match, he is most likely to be back for India's first Super 8 match against South Africa, to be played on February 22 at Ahmedabad. It is to be noted that the Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, is also Axar's home ground in domestic cricket and he will be eager to perform here.

Axar Patel's Excellent Tournament with the Ball

Axar Patel has been in excellent form with the ball so far in the tournament. The left-arm spinner has picked 8 wickets in three matches so far at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of less than 7. It also includes a crucial 2-29 in four overs in the last match against Pakistan, where he picked up the big wickets of Babar Azam and Usman Khan.

Over the years, Axar has grown in stature as a world-class all-rounder across formats. Usually a lower order batter, he has been used in the middle order on numerous occasions in case India is in trouble. Axar has responded well by playing quality knocks with the bat and has helped in taking the team out of trouble.