Announcement India15-member squad for Asia Cup 2025 Only the players have shaken the debate beyond the fencing. Whereas Shubman GillHeight for vice-captain caught headlines, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif Concerns about communication, or possible with it, Exer PatelWho recently played the same role in India’s final T20I series.
Mohammad Kaif questioned BCCI’s call on the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain
Gill’s return in T20I setup after more than a year comes with additional responsibility, serving as deputy Suryakumar YadavAlready being captained by the test side and has been designed as a potential all-format leader, his promotion has indicated continuity in India’s leadership pipeline. The decision of the selectors also reflects their priority for a small face that may increase in the role in formats.
However, the silence around the removal of Exer has increased eyebrows. Only months ago, there was sub-captainment during the T20I series against all-rounder England. Kaif, anytime to mimic words, insisted that while Gill’s appointment aligns with India’s long -term leadership plans, Exer ” ‘no wrong’ and is entitled to a clarification to be replaced. His comments have ruled the conversation around transparency in team management decisions, especially when leadership roles are reshuffled.
Kaif’s sharp comment on X ,I hope that Exer Patel was already informed about the removal of Vice-Capanesey and he was not known about it from the press conference. Exer did not do anything wrong, so he deserves an explanation @akshar2026, “
I hope that Exer Patel was already informed about the removal of Vice-Capanesey and he was not known about it from the press conference. Exer did not do anything wrong, so he deserves an explanation. @akshar2026
– Mohammad Kaif (@mohammadkaif) August 19, 2025
Exer’s record speaks for himself: 71 T20I, 71 wickets and many important batting contributions. In IPLThey have also captained Delhi capitalsShow in high pressure conditions. For a player who has been one of the most reliable all-rounders in India, the issue is less who replaced him and how it was done. This nuance is the one who echoes Kaif’s comments with fans who admire an understanding of Exer.
Another former Indian cricketer sympathy for Axar Patel
Caif is not just a voiceing support for Exer. Former opener Akash Chopra, On your YouTube channel, this step is also called ‘Little inappropriate,’ However, he admitted that the overall team looks balanced. Their views outline a great feeling: in cases of leadership, communication and respect often matters more than numbers.
From the point of view of the selectors, however, the roadmap is clear. At the age of 25, Gill represents India’s next generation leading pool Hardik Pandya And Rishabh PantBoth are returning. Leading in the T20 World Cup with the Asia Cup, the management probably wants leadership roles firmly. Somewhere else, we are talking remarkable in India’s squad: Jasprit Bumrah ‘S. Return Bolt Bowling Attack, Abhishek Sharma The top is ready for partner Gill, and a fight between the wicketkeeping slot remains Sanju Samson And Jitesh SharmaBetween these positive developments, however, the calm demotion of the exer stands out as an unexplained step.
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