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Axar Patel's demotion from India T20I vice-captaincy role questioned by former cricketer: 'Axar deserves an explanation'
Axar Patel has been reduced to a squad player in India's squad for Asia cup 2025. Image: Reuters
The biggest loser in India's latest T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025 was Axar Patel, who lost his Test captaincy in the shortest format to incoming Shubman Gill. While Gill's return and his elevation to the deputy post speak volumes about his talent and the bright future that he has ahead of himself, Axar Patel must be wondering what he did wrong.
The 31-year-old all-rounder from Gujarat, Patel, was named the vice captain in the series against England earlier this year. He was India's second-highest wicket-taker after Varun Chakaravarthy as he took six wickets and India won the series 4-1.
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Also Read | Shubman Gill's T20I elevation lays bare BCCI's long-term vision as India cricket seek next superstar
Patel also scored 37 runs, largely batting at the No.8 slot. Overall, he has 535 runs in 71 T20Is at a strike rate of 139.32 and 71 at an impressive economy rate of 7.30.
He has been in a much better form since the start of 2023, scoring 364 runs in the shortest format at an average of 21.41 and a strike rate of 142.8. Axar also took 37 wickets during this period at an economy rate of just 7.1.
Kaif backs Axar amid demotion
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has raised a very pertinent point as Axar Patel was demoted in the latest squad announcement. Kaif hoped that the selectors had a word with Axar before making the decision public, as the all-rounder did 'no 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,' Kaif wrote on X.
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
Meanwhile, legendary R Ashwin has questioned the BCCI selectors' decision to give the vice-captaincy to Gill. The now-retired spinner said that Gill is being forced as an all-format captain by the selectors.
'Maybe they are thinking of Shubman Gill as the leader for the future. Maybe he can be the all-format captain. But it is not necessary to have the same captain in all formats,' Ashwin said while analysing Gill's inclusion.
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