"Axar Patel's removal as T20I vice-captain needs clarification, it is speculated that he was not personally informed until the news was released publicly"
The All India Men's Senior Selection Committee has announced a 15-member squad for the Asia Cup, beginning September 9, 2025. Among the notable changes is the removal of Axar Patel as vice-captain of India’s T20I squad, with Shubman Gill taking on the role instead.
Axar Patel, who was the vice-captain for India's last T20I assignment against England earlier this year, is no longer Suryakumar Yadav's deputy. The decision to replace him came as a surprise, as Axar had performed well in the England series.
Despite retaining him in the Asia Cup squad, the vice-captaincy was given to Shubman Gill, signalling a shift in leadership focus. Gill, who is the Test captain, returns to India's T20I setup after more than a year.
The emphasis seems to be on grooming Shubman Gill as a future leader in all formats, as stated by the captain and selectors. This decision appears to be strategic, prioritizing Gill's leadership trajectory.
However, the lack of a formal public explanation to Axar Patel has generated some controversy. Former India player Mohammad Kaif publicly stated that Axar "deserves an explanation" and hoped that he was informed beforehand rather than learning about it through the press conference.
Aakash Chopra also sympathized with Axar, expressing that he was owed an explanation for losing the T20I vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who was the vice-captain in the series against Sri Lanka last year, will open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma in the Asia Cup. Sanju Samson's role in the Asia Cup is uncertain.
In addition to these changes, Jasprit Bumrah is back in India's squad for the Asia Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal made it to the reserves list but not the main squad.
References:
- ESPNcricinfo
- CricketCountry
- India Today
- Hindustan Times
- CricTracker
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