Key Points

India's fielding coach has provided a positive update on Axar Patel's condition after he suffered a neck injury during the Oman match. The all-rounder had a scary moment when he hit his head while attempting a catch in the field. Despite the injury concern, the team is fully focused on their upcoming rematch against Pakistan in the Super Four stage. Coach Dilip emphasized that the team is treating this high-pressure rivalry game like any other match.

Key Points: Axar Patel Fitness Update Before India Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

  • Axar Patel injured neck fielding against Oman during 15th over
  • Coach Dilip confirms player appears fine after medical assessment
  • India prepares for Super Four rematch against arch-rivals Pakistan
  • Team treating high-pressure clash as just another game
2 min read

Asia Cup: Fielding coach issues fitness update on Axar Patel; assures India ready to face Pak

India fielding coach T Dilip confirms Axar Patel is "fine" after neck injury against Oman as team prepares for high-stakes Pakistan rematch in Asia Cup Super Four.

"I have seen Axar; he looks fine now at this point in time. - T Dilip"

Abu Dhabi, September 20

India fielding coach T Dilip offered an update about all-rounder Axar Patel, who injured his neck in the second innings against Oman in the final group stage fixture of the Asia Cup.

With all eyes now shifting towards India's rematch against arch-rival Pakistan in the Super Four, Dilip acknowledged that players are "geared up" and ready, but won't indulge in treating the rivalry clash any differently.

During India's attempt to defend its daunting 188-run target, the joint-highest in the ongoing tournament, Axar endured a horror moment in the field. On the first delivery of the 15th over, Hammad Mirza miscued his shot and ballooned the ball in Axar's direction. He juggled the chance, floored the ball and hit his head against the turf.

He was seen clutching the back of his head while being ushered off the field by the physio. For the remainder of Oman's chase, the experienced southpaw remained absent. He rolled his arm for just a solitary over and conceded four runs in a contest where India deployed eight bowlers. With the bat, he flexed his boundary-hitting muscle and walloped 26 off 13 deliveries.

Dilip offered an injury update during the post-match press conference and told reporters after India's 21-run win, "I have seen Axar; he looks fine now at this point in time." It is yet to be seen if Axar will take the field against Pakistan, considering India will be back in action in Dubai in less than 48 hours.

India's Super Four campaign will begin by scuffling against Pakistan for the second time in the tournament. Their first meeting in the group stage ended with a landslide 7-wicket drubbing for Pakistan. Hours after the match ended, controversies erupted, which revolved around India refusing to shake hands with its counterparts. Pakistan debunked the post-match presentation.

PCB lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, which was straightaway refused by the International Cricket Council. Pakistan threatened to boycott the fixture, forced the UAE game to be delayed by an hour and the rest that followed.

With tempers shimmering high off the field, Dilip ensured that India would treat it as a regular game and added, "Regarding the Pakistan game, everybody is geared up. We treat every game as the same. It is another game, and we are ready for it.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see the team maintaining professional approach. All this off-field drama shouldn't affect the game. Just focus on cricket and let the bat/ball do the talking!
V
Vikram M
PCB creating unnecessary drama as usual. ICC did right by rejecting their complaint. We should just focus on repeating our group stage performance. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
A
Ananya R
Neck injuries can be tricky. Better to rest Axar if there's any doubt. We have good bench strength. Health should always come first, no matter how big the match is.
M
Michael C
The team's mindset is perfect - treat every game the same. That's how champions think. No need to get emotional about Pakistan match, just play good cricket.
P
Priya S
That fielding incident looked scary! Glad he's okay. Our fielding has been exceptional this tournament. Hope we maintain the same intensity against Pakistan 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50