Axar Patel was abruptly replaced as India’s vice-captain in T20I cricket after head selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Suryakumar Yadav released a 15-man roster for the Asia Cup on Tuesday, August 19.
Axar was selected Suryakumar’s deputy for the home series against England ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Gujarat all-rounder performed admirably in the series, particularly with the ball, taking six wickets in five matches with an average of 16.50 and an economy rate of 7.07. India won the five-match series 4–1.
Axar was named vice-captain of India’s squad for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates in September, but he was replaced by Shubman Gill. Gill hasn’t played a T20I since July 2024.
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif took to Twitter to express his sympathy for Axar, claiming that the all-rounder deserved an explanation for his dismissal from vice-captaincy.
“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,” wrote Kaif on his ‘X’ account.
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. @akshar2026
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 19, 2025
India have been placed in Group A along with UAE, Pakistan, and Oman.
The Men in Blue will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup on September 10 against the UAE. Their next two matches are against arch-rivals Pakistan and Oman. All of India’s matches in the group stage will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which is also the venue for the summit clash on September 28.
India are the most successful team in the history of the continental competition. They have won the coveted Asia Cup on eight occasions. India are also the defending champions, having lifted the title in the previous edition in 2023 in Sri Lanka.
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