Axar Patel served as India’s T20I vice-captain in the recent series against England. However, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif voiced his support for the all-rounder after he was overlooked for the same role in the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Mohammad Kaif criticized the selectors, saying senior players deserve clarity on such decisions.
The Indian squad for Asia Cup 2025 was announced on Tuesday, 19th August, with Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav addressing the press. The major talking point was the change in vice-captaincy.
Despite expectations that Axar Patel would continue as vice-captain, the role was handed to Shubman Gill, who not only returned to the T20I side but was also appointed vice-captain. This decision surprised many, especially since Gill’s last T20I appearance was in 2024 against Sri Lanka.
“Axar did nothing wrong and deserves an explanation” – Mohammad Kaif
Following Axar Patel’s removal as India’s T20I vice-captain, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his hope that the all-rounder was informed personally about the decision. Speaking on social media, Mohammad Kaif emphasized that Axar has done nothing wrong and deserves clarity.
“I hope Axar Patel was informed about his removal from vice-captaincy in advance and didn’t hear it first from the press conference. Axar did no wrong, so he deserves an explanation,” Mohammad Kaif wrote on X.
Axar Patel has been a key player for India in T20Is, playing a vital role in India’s triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He contributed a crucial 47-run innings in the final and was effective with the ball throughout the tournament.
In his career so far, Axar has played 71 T20Is, taking 71 wickets at an average of 22.12, while scoring 531 runs at a strike rate of 139.32.
Looking ahead, Axar will share spin-bowling duties with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in the Asia Cup 2025. The trio had earlier played a significant role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory and will be key to India’s campaign in the upcoming tournament.
