India’s release of its 15-member roster for the Asia Cup has sparked a discussion, especially about the change in T20I vice-captaincy. Shubman Gill, who is also the Test captain, has been named Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy. However, many people are confused as to why Axar Patel, who held the position during India’s last T20I series against England, was not given it again.
Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, said on X (previously Twitter) that Axar Patel, who has “done no wrong,” deserves an explanation. Kaif said he hoped the all-rounder knew about the alteration ahead of time and didn’t have to hear about it at the press conference.
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
Aakash Chopra Agrees with Kaif
Kaif isn’t the only one who feels bad for Axar. Aakash Chopra, a former Indian opener, too talked about JioHotstar and said the choice was “a little unfair.” He said that the team looks good, but it’s too bad that Axar has to take on a new leadership role so suddenly.
In 71 T20I matches, Axar Patel has scored 535 runs and taken 71 wickets. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he is also the captain of the Delhi Capitals. The team didn’t make the playoffs this year under his leadership, although he has always done well in this format. Gill had been the T20I vice-captain in 2024 during a series against Sri Lanka, but he was later rested for other formats. This is how Axar got the job.
Other Important Picks and Misses
Jasprit Bumrah, the team’s fastest bowler, is back for the Asia Cup. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, were not chosen for the main team. Jaiswal was nominated to the reserves. The two wicket-keepers are Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma.
India’s Asia Cup campaign will start on September 10 in Dubai against the UAE. The highly anticipated match versus Pakistan, their biggest opponent, is set for September 14.