On Tuesday, August 19, captain Suryakumar Yadav and head selector Ajit Agarkar revealed a 15-man roster for the Asia Cup, which resulted in the abrupt dismissal of Axar Patel as India’s vice-captain in Twenty20 International cricket.
Prior to the home series against England in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Axar was appointed Suryakumar’s deputy. The Gujarat all-rounder had a strong series, particularly with the ball, taking six wickets at an economy rate of 7.07 and an average of 16.50 in five games. India prevailed 4-1 in the five-match series.
Shubman Gill took Axar’s place as vice-captain when he was selected for India’s squad for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates in September. Since July 2024, Gill has not participated in a T20I.
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif expressed sympathy for Axar on his official ‘X’ handle, stating that the all-rounder should be given an explanation for why he was demoted from vice-captaincy.
“I hope Axar Patel was not made aware of his dismissal from vice-captaincy till the press conference and that he was notified beforehand. Kaif wrote on his ‘X’ account, “Axar deserves an explanation because he did nothing wrong.”
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, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Oman have all been assigned to Group A. On September 10, the Men in Blue will play the UAE to start their Asia Cup campaign. They will play Oman and Pakistan, bitter rivals, in their next two games. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which will also host the summit match on September 28, will host all of India’s group stage games.
The most successful team in the continental competition’s history is India. Eight times, they have taken home the prestigious Asia Cup. After winning the championship in Sri Lanka in 2023, India is also the reigning champion.
India
