Axar Patel’s spot in India’s Super Four match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup is under a cloud after he got a blow to the head. The injury occurred while he was fielding in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against Oman in Abu Dhabi, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Patel got hurt while trying to catch a ball during Oman’s innings. It was the 15th over when Hammad Mirza didn’t connect well with his shot, sending the ball high towards Axar. He got his hands to it initially but then dropped it and unfortunately hit his head on the ground. He looked uncomfortable as he walked off the field.
India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, tried to allay fears by saying after the game that Axar is fine. But with the Pakistan match just two days away, there are still doubts whether Axar will be fit to play.
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If Axar can’t play, India might have to go with just two spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. A fast bowler will probably replace Axar in the playing XI. Axar had a good game with the bat against Oman, scoring 26 off 13 balls. If he is out, it will change India’s combination and how flexible they can be.
Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar are two similar players that India can call up if needed. Both are on the standby list.
Axar bowled just one over and gave away four runs. India used eight bowlers in the 21-run win.
Despite what fielding coach T Dilip said about Axar looking fine after the game, the quick turnaround between matches makes it tough for the all-rounder to recover in time.
India plays Pakistan on Sunday in their first Super Four game. Their last match in the group stage was a 7-wicket loss for Pakistan.
