"He deserves an explanation.."- Mohammad Kaif attacks BCCI for Axar Patel's removal as vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025

Axar Patel was the vice-captain of India in T20Is in the last series against England.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif came out in support of all-rounder Axar Patel after he was snubbed as Indian Cricket Team‘s T20I vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025. He said that the senior players deserve an explanation, lashing out at the selectors. 

The Indian squad for Asia Cup 2025 was announced on Tuesday (19th August) with Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav addressing the press conference. The main talking point was the change in the vice-captaincy of the team. 

In India’s last T20I series, which was against England, Axar Patel was the vice-captain of the team. And it was expected that he would continue the role even in Asia Cup 2025. But that wasn’t the case as he was sacked as the vice-captain of the team. 

The selectors included Shubman Gill in the team, and not only did he make a return to the side, but also he was also appointed as vice-captain of the team. This came as a surprise for many because his last game in the format came in 2024 against Sri Lanka. 

Axar did no wrong so he deserves an explanation – Mohammad Kaif

With Axar Patel getting removed as the vice-captain, Mohammad Kaif raised the point, saying that he hopes Axar was made aware of the development. He said that the all-rounder has done nothing wrong and deserves an explanation. Taking to his Twitter account, he said:

“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. 

Axar Patel has been a vital cog in the wheel for India in T20Is. He played a major role in the team winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He scored a crucial knock of 47 runs in the final and was also handy with the ball in the tournament. 

Overall, he has played 71 T20Is in his career so far and has picked 71 wickets at an average of 22.12. Also, with the bat, he has slammed 531 runs at a strike rate of 139.32. 

Axar Patel will be handling the spin bowling duties with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in Asia Cup 2025. They would be keen to help India in the tournament. The trio played a crucial role in India winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year.

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