India are set to host England in their first home series of the 2025, a highly anticipated clash between two cricketing powerhouses. The Jos Buttler-led England team will play a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs against India, providing an exciting start to 2025 for cricket enthusiasts. This series holds significant importance for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the squad for the upcoming series, scheduled from January 22 to February 2. However, the major talking point has been the unexpected leadership change within the team. Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, a move that sees him preferred over Hardik Pandya, who was widely regarded as a leadership frontrunner. This decision adds another chapter to India’s evolving leadership narrative.
3 reasons why Axar Patel was preferred over Hardik Pandya as India’s vice-captain
1. Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns
Hardik’s history of injuries has been a persistent issue throughout his career. Despite his undeniable talent and leadership potential, his frequent fitness challenges have made it difficult for the team management to rely on him consistently in a leadership role. Hardik missed significant matches during crucial periods, which affected the team’s plans. With the demanding nature of modern cricket, particularly in a high-stakes T20I series, the selectors may have opted for a more dependable choice in Axar, who has proven his durability and ability to deliver in crunch situations consistently.
2. Axar Patel’s stellar form and all-round contributions
Axar has emerged as one of India’s most reliable all-rounders in recent times, cementing his place in both the international and domestic circuit. His performances during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he scored 92 runs and claimed nine wickets, demonstrated his ability to excel under pressure. Axar’s crucial knock of 47 runs in the final showcased his temperament and match-winning capabilities. Additionally, his consistent Indian Premier League (IPL) performances, including being retained by Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 16.50 crore, highlight his growing stature in the cricketing world. This form, combined with his versatility, makes Axar a deserving candidate to take on a leadership role.
3. Strategic vision for leadership stability
The decision to appoint Axar as vice-captain aligns with the team management’s long-term vision of grooming reliable leaders. Axar’s calm and composed demeanor, both on and off the field, is a valuable trait that ensures stability in the team’s decision-making process. His ability to adapt to different match scenarios and perform in high-pressure games makes him an ideal candidate for a leadership role. Furthermore, with Suryakumar Yadav already leading the team, Axar’s vice-captaincy provides an opportunity to strengthen leadership at multiple levels, creating a robust support system for the team.
Also READ: 5 players who failed to make a cut in India’s T20I squad for England series
T20I series between India and England: A test of depth and adaptability
The T20I series, scheduled to take place in five iconic venues – Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai – will test the adaptability and depth of both squads. These venues present diverse playing conditions, from spin-friendly pitches to high-scoring surfaces, making the series a perfect platform for teams to finalize their combinations. For England, it will be an opportunity to fine-tune their T20 strategy under Jos Buttler’s captaincy, while India will look to solidify their leadership under Suryakumar, with Axar as vice-captain.
Following the T20Is, the three-match ODI series will serve as a crucial preparation phase for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. As the host nation for the prestigious tournament, India will aim to identify their ideal playing XI and address any lingering concerns in their squad. England, on the other hand, will use the ODIs to assess their readiness for the subcontinent conditions they will encounter in Pakistan and the UAE during the Champions Trophy.
