India’s allrounder Axar Patel could miss the high-voltage Super Four match against Pakistan after suffering a head injury during the Group A fixture against Oman in Abu Dhabi.
How the Injury Happened
In the 15th over of Oman’s chase, Hammad Mirza skied a catch towards mid-off. Axar Patel ran in from the circle, juggled the chance, and lost his balance. As he fell, his head hit the turf hard. He clutched his head and neck while the physio rushed to assist him.
Axar did not return to the field after that moment. He had bowled just one over for four runs before being forced off. India went on to win the match by 21 runs.
Fitness Update Before Pakistan Match
T Dilip, India’s fielding coach, told reporters that Axar was “fine.” But with less than 48 hours to recover before the India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in Dubai, his availability remains uncertain.
Axar’s absence would be a blow to India’s three-spinner strategy. He has been a key part of the middle overs with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. Without him, India may need to fly in reinforcements or adjust their balance.
Axar’s Batting Form a Plus for India
Before the injury, Axar Patel shone with the bat. Coming in at No. 5, he smashed 26 off 13 balls, dominating a 45-run stand with Sanju Samson (56). His late hitting helped India reach 188 for 8 — a total that proved enough against Oman.
Possible Replacements
If Axar Patel is ruled out, India’s options include:
- Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav as the two frontline spinners.
- Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar from the standby list as like-for-like replacements.
The decision will depend on Axar’s recovery timeline and the team’s preferred balance against Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Axar Patel injury casts doubt over India’s Super Four plans.
- India may be forced to tweak their spin-heavy combination in Dubai.
- Standby players Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag are in line if needed.
- India vs Pakistan Super Four clash promises high stakes.
Conclusion
India’s management faces a nervous wait on Axar Patel’s fitness ahead of the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 Super Four showdown with Pakistan. His all-round skills have been vital for India’s balance, and losing him could force a rethink in their playing XI.
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