The announcement of India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has stirred debates that go beyond mere player selections. While Shubman Gill’s elevation to vice-captain grabbed the headlines, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif raised concerns about the communication, or possible lack thereof, with Axar Patelwho recently held the same role in India’s last T20I series.

Mohammad Kaif questions BCCI’s call over the Shubman Gill’s appointment as a vice-captain

Gill’s return to the T20I setup after over a year comes with added responsibility,  serving as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav. Having already captained the Test side and groomed as a potential all-format leader, his promotion signals continuity in India’s leadership pipeline. The selectors’ decision also reflects their preference for a younger face who can grow into the role across formats.

However, the silence around Axar’s removal has raised eyebrows. Only months ago, the all-rounder was vice-captain during the T20I series against England. Kaif, never one to mince words, stressed that while Gill’s appointment aligns with India’s long-term leadership plans, Axar ‘did no wrong’ and deserves an explanation for being replaced. His comments have reignited the conversation around transparency in team management decisions, particularly when leadership roles are reshuffled.

Kaif’s pointed remark 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, “

Axar’s record speaks for himself: 71 T20Is, 71 wickets, and several crucial batting contributions. In the IPLhe has even captained Delhi Capitalsshowcasing composure in high-pressure situations. For a player who has been one of India’s most reliable all-rounders, the issue lies less in who replaced him and more in how it was done. That nuance is what makes Kaif’s comments resonate with fans who admire Axar’s understated consistency.

Sympathy for Axar Patel from another former Indian cricketer

Kaif isn’t the only one voicing support for Axar. Former opener Aakash Chopra, on his Youtube channel, also termed the move ‘a little unfair,’ though he acknowledged that the overall squad looks balanced. Their views underline a larger sentiment: in leadership matters, communication and respect often matter more than numbers.

From the selectors’ perspective, though, the roadmap is clear. At 25, Gill represents India’s next-generation leadership pool alongside Hardik Pandya and Rishabh pantboth making comebacks. With the Asia Cup leading into the T20 World Cup, the management likely wants leadership roles firmly in place. Elsewhere, India’s squad boasts notable talking points: Jasprit bumrah ‘s return bolsters the bowling attack, Abhishek Sharma is set to partner Gill at the top, and the wicketkeeping slot remains a battle between Sanja Samson and Jitesh sharma. Amid these positive developments, however, Axar’s quiet demotion stands out as the one unexplained move.