Asia Cup 2025: 'Axar Patel deserves an explanation for removal from vice-captaincy in T20Is' - Former India batter empathises with star all-rounder

Axar Patel was unceremoniously removed from his position as India's vice-captain in T20I cricket when chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced a 15-man squad for the Asia Cup on Tuesday, August 19.

Axar was named Suryakumar's deputy ahead of the home series against England ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Gujarat all-rounder fared well in the series, especially with the ball, taking six wickets in five matches at an average of 16.50 and an economy rate of 7.07. India won the five-match series 4-1.

While Axar was picked in India's side for September's Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, he was replaced by Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. Gill has not played a T20I since July 2024.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif took to his official 'X' handle and empathised with Axar, saying that the all-rounder deserves an explanation for his removal 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.

Mohammad Kaif@MohammadKaif

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

08:40 PM · Aug 19, 2025

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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.

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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.