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"He Did No Wrong": Mohammad Kaif On Axar Patel's Sudden Demotion In Asia Cup

Soumyajit Dutta

Axar Patel and Mohammad Kaif [Source: @Adityakrsaha/X.com]Axar Patel and Mohammad Kaif [Source: @Adityakrsaha/X.com]

Former India all-rounder Axar Patel has been replaced as vice-captain of the Indian T20I team for the upcoming Asia Cup. The move comes with the return of opener Shubman Gill, who has been reinstated as deputy to skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Patel had been appointed to the leadership role for the five-match series against England earlier this year.

His unceremonious removal from his role in Asia Cup has sparked discussions about communication and recognition within the team management, especially following Patel's instrumental role in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph.

Kaif Blasts Indian Think Tank For Axar's Demotion

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his sympathy for the player, suggesting the decision was unfair and that Patel deserved clarity from the selectors.

“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.

Patel’s credentials for retaining the position are strong. He was a cornerstone of India's World Cup victory, earning Player of the Match honours in the semi-final against England for his spell of 3/23. In the final against South Africa, his crucial 47-run knock off 31 balls rescued India from a top-order collapse, and he also chipped in with a key wicket.

An integral part of the squad across all formats, Axar Patel's T20I record is impressive. 531 runs at a strike rate of 139.32 and 71 wickets at an average of 22.12.

For the Asia Cup, the spin department will feature Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy alongside Patel. The squad announcement also saw the notable omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal. India begins its campaign on September 10 against the UAE.