Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced concern over the way Axar Patel was removed as vice-captain of the T20I side ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Kaif stressed that Axar, who “did no wrong,” deserved a proper explanation before Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee announced Shubman Gill as the new deputy to captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Axar last served as India’s T20I vice-captain during the home series against England in February. At that time, Gill wasn’t part of the squad, as most Test regulars had just finished a grueling series against Australia. Since then, Gill has enjoyed a remarkable rise, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2025. His elevation to vice-captaincy, however, surprised many, especially with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma already locked in as openers.

Mohammad Kaif expressed his thoughts on X, writing: “I hope Axar Patel was informed about his removal from vice-captaincy in advance and didn’t get to know about it from the press conference. Axar did no wrong, so he deserves an explanation.”

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

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, meanwhile, clarified that Axar’s earlier leadership role was only temporary. “He was the vice-captain when we played in Sri Lanka. But after that, he was busy with Test cricket. We see leadership qualities in him, and his form in England was excellent. He exceeded expectations, which is always a great sign under pressure,” Agarkar explained.

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However, a report in The Indian Express revealed that Gill wasn’t Agarkar and his panel’s first-choice deputy. The move was reportedly influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is keen to groom Gill as a future captain alongside Suryakumar Yadav.

With the Asia Cup around the corner, the decision has sparked debate over fairness and communication within the team setup, leaving fans and experts questioning if Axar was treated justly.

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India’s squad for 2025 Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Standbys: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.