Earlier, Axar had been appointed Suryakumar’s deputy for the home series against England ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Gujarat all-rounder performed well in that 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 series 4-1.
Although Axar Patel was selected for India’s squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE this September, Shubman Gill was named vice-captain instead. Gill hasn’t played a T20I since July 2024. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on his official X account, saying that Axar, as an all-rounder, deserves a clear explanation for being removed from the vice-captaincy.
“I hope Axar Patel was told about being removed as vice-captain beforehand and didn’t hear it from the press. He hasn’t done anything wrong, so he deserves an explanation,” Kaif wrote on his X account.
India is in Group A with UAE, Pakistan, and Oman for the Asia Cup. Their campaign starts on September 10 against the UAE. The next two group matches are against Pakistan and Oman. All of India’s group games will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which will also host the final on September 28.
India are the most successful team in Asia Cup history, winning the tournament eight times. They are also the current champions, having claimed the title in the last edition held in Sri Lanka in 2023.