![Tilak Varma and Axar Patel [Source: AFP, AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780734993624_Tilak_Varma_and_Axar_Patel.jpg?type=hq)
Tilak Varma and Axar Patel [Source: AFP, AP]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain, replacing World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav in the process. While announcing India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, the Indian selection committee also appointed Mumbai Indians star Tilak Varma as the new vice-captain.
Varma replaced Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, who served as Suryakumar’s deputy in the recently-concluded 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
While speaking with the reporters, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has now explained the reason behind Varma’s sudden ascension in the team.
Ajit Agarkar explains why Tilak Varma was named vice-captain
BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar recently said that the board named Tilak Varma as India’s vice-captain because the cricketer is an ideal candidate for the “next two-year cycle.” Agarkar praised Varma and claimed that this will be a huge learning opportunity for the Mumbai Indians star.
Also Read- Tilak Varma's Captaincy Record For Indian Team
While speaking with the reporters, the former Indian all-rounder also justified Axar Patel’s sacking as vice-captain by saying “Gill was vice-captain leading into WC. but when we decided to have two keepers he missed out. Axar Patel was vice-captain, but we're looking at what's best for next two-year cycle. Tilak is a terrific player; this gives him an opportunity to learn on the job.”
A tough road ahead for Tilak Varma
Compatible to Ajit Agarkar’s claims, Tilak Varma has proven himself to be a formidable asset in the Indian T20I team in the last few years. For instance, the belligerent left-hander smeared two hundreds in South Africa to headline’s India’s 3-1 away series win in 2024.
The cricketer also charted a match-winning 69* in a tense Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan last year. However, the added responsibility of vice-captaincy presents an entirely different challenge.
With Team India looking ahead towards the 2028 Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, Varma will now be tasked with balancing his growing leadership responsibilities alongside his role as one of the side's premier batting mainstays
BCCI name squads for Ireland, England tours
Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma’s first assignment as India’s new captain and vice-captain respectively will be to oversee the team in their upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England. The BCCI has named a strong 16-player squad for the two tours, with all-rounder Harshit Rana making his return after recovery.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also received his maiden international call-up. Hardik Pandya, who is undergoing rehab in Bengaluru, was unfortunately excluded from the squad.
Even though Axar Patel was sacked as India’s vice-captain, the senior spinner still retained his place in the team. Here is a look at India’s full squad for the upcoming European T20I tour.
India squad for England, Ireland T20I tours: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Isha Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
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