Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has questioned the Indian team management's decision to send Axar Patel in at the number three position, describing the move as throwing him to the wolves. The tactical change took place during India's chase of a 214-run target against South Africa in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA New International Stadium in Mullanpur.
With Axar promoted to No. 3, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not bat in his usual position and instead came in at No. 4. Axar managed 23 runs off 21 balls, while Suryakumar walked in after the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma. India had also suffered an early blow with vice-captain Shubman Gill falling in the first over.
Suryakumar had batted at No. 3 in the first match of the series in Cuttack, where he scored 12 runs off 11 balls as India posted a first-innings total of 175 for 6 and went on to win by 101 runs. In Mullanpur, however, India lost their top-order batters within the first four overs, prompting former India cricketer Robin Uthappa to remark that the team management needs to stabilise their top three in the batting order, regardless of whether they are setting a target or chasing one.
