Former India players have lashed out at the Indian team management’s decision to bench vice-captain and left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel for Washington Sundar in the high-stakes Super Eights clash against South Africa here on Sunday, after the move backfired miserably.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav termed Axar’s omission a “tactical move” at the toss, citing match-ups. However, India’s embarrassing 76-run defeat, and offie Sundar’s ineffective 0-17 in two overs and 11 runs with the bat, have brought Axar’s worth in focus.