Follow UsFormer India batter Mohammad Kaif has said that Axar Patel “deserves an explanation” after being removed as India’s T20I vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
The spin-bowling all-rounder was Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy during India’s last T20I series against England in February. However, when the Asia Cup 2025 squad was announced on August 19 (Tuesday), the role was handed to Shubman Gill, who is returning to the T20I setup after more than a year.
Reacting to the development, Kaif expressed his concern on social media platform ‘X’. "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."
Axar has been a key member of India’s T20I side in recent years and played an instrumental role in their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him one of the most dependable all-rounders in the format.
Since the beginning of 2023, Axar has scored 364 runs in T20Is at an average of 21.41 and a strike rate of 142.8. With the ball, he has taken 37 wickets during the same period at an economy rate of just 7.1, underlining his value in both departments.
In the IPL 2025 season, Axar also shouldered leadership responsibilities as the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC). However, his side narrowly missed out on a place in the playoffs.