Asia Cup 2025 | 'Axar Patel deserves an explanation for removal from vice-captaincy': Ex-India star slams decision

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns over Axar Patel losing the vice-captaincy of the Indian T20I side, with Shubman Gill taking over the role. Patel, who was named deputy to Suryakumar Yadav for the five-match series against England earlier this year, was replaced following Gill’s return to T20Is after a year-long absence.Taking to social media, Kaif questioned the manner in which the change was handled.

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"I hope Axar Patel was informed about his removal from vice-captaincy in advance and he didn't come to know about it from the press conference. Axar did no wrong so he deserves an explanation," Kaif posted.

Patel has cemented his place as a dependable all-rounder across formats, making key contributions in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.

He was named Player of the Match in the semi-final against England for his spell of 3/23.In the final against South Africa, Patel played another pivotal role, scoring 47 off 31 balls when India were reeling at 34/3, and later dismissing Tristan Stubbs to tilt the game in India’s favor.Overall, Patel’s T20I record highlights his consistency — 531 runs at a strike rate of 139.32, along with 71 wickets at an average of 22.12 from 71 matches.

For the upcoming Asia Cup, India’s selectors have included two other spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, in the squad.Among the notable exclusions are Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal. India will open their Asia Cup campaign against hosts UAE on September 10.