Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has issued a warning to newly appointed T20I vice-captain Tilak Verma ahead of the two-match series against Ireland. The commentator said that being the vice-captain does not guarantee a place in the playing eleven and added that Verma will have to continue performing well to retain his place.
Shreyas Iyer-led Team India will take on Lorcan Tucker-captained Ireland in the upcoming series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. The opening match will be played on Friday, June 26. Notably, the series marks the beginning of a new leadership phase, with Iyer as captain and Tilak as vice-captain.
Being vice-captain does not guarantee a place in the team – Mohammad Kaif warns Tilak Verma
While talking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that the current Indian team management gives more importance to form. He reminded Tilak Verma that being the vice-captain does not guarantee a place in the playing eleven if performance declines.
“Tilak Verma is the vice-captain, yes. But vice-captains have been dropped before. Being the vice-captain doesn’t mean that Tilak Verma’s place in the team is guaranteed. If Tilak starts thinking, ‘I’m the vice-captain, my place is safe,’ then that’s not how this Indian team works.”
Mohammad Kaif also said that the selectors have already moved on from former T20I vice-captain Axar Patel. He said that if Tilak has to retain his place in the Indian team, he will have to continue performing well.
“If he wants to continue playing, he will have to maintain his form. Even the slightest dip in form could see him out. Axar Patel was the vice-captain earlier. You might remember this. He is no longer the vice-captain. The team has now moved to Tilak.”
No one’s place is guaranteed, not even the captain’s – Mohammad Kaif on Team India’s selection policy
Mohammad Kaif also said that every player will have to earn his place in the current Indian team with consistent good performance. He said that neither the position of captain nor vice-captain is fixed, as coaches and selectors expect players to prove themselves in every match.
“So no one’s place is guaranteed in this Indian team. Not even the captain. There is no permanent vice-captain either. Everyone has to earn their place. Everyone has to perform in every single match. This is a phase in Indian cricket that we have never seen before. This is the mentality of the coaches and selectors now. Your place in the team is at stake in every single match. That is why Tilak Verma can start with this team, but his place in the XI is at stake going forward. There is no guarantee.”
Tilak Verma eyes a strong start after impressive performances across all formats
Tilak Verma led India A to the ODI tri-series title against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 275 runs at an average of 55 in five matches.
Some fans questioned his strike rate after he scored 67 runs off 90 balls in the tri-series final. R Ashwin supported Tilak and said that despite criticism regarding his strike rate, the young batsman is continuously performing well.
Tilak has made a great record in T20 cricket. The left-handed batsman has scored 1,390 runs in 49 T20Is at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 145.54, which includes two centuries and six half-centuries.
The middle-order batsman also played a key role in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup victory. He scored 317 runs in nine innings at an impressive strike rate of 193.29, which included three half-centuries.
