Key Points

Indian spinner Axar Patel suffered a head injury while fielding against Oman in the Asia Cup. He hurt himself attempting a catch in the 15th over and walked off in discomfort. Although fielding coach T Dilip says Patel "looks fine," the short turnaround to the Pakistan match raises concerns. India may need to replace him with a pacer if he's ruled out for the crucial Super Four clash.

Key Points: Axar Patel Head Injury Doubtful for India Pakistan Asia Cup

  • Axar Patel hurt head attempting catch in 15th over vs Oman
  • Injury occurred while juggling and dropping Hammad Mirza chance
  • Team may field only two spinners if Patel ruled out
  • Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar are standby replacement options
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Head injury puts Axar Patel's Asia Cup match against Pakistan in doubt

India spinner Axar Patel's participation vs Pakistan in doubt after head injury during fielding vs Oman. Fielding coach says he "looks fine" but short recovery time concerns.

"looks fine - T Dilip, India Fielding Coach"

Abu Dhabi, September 20

Indian star spinner Axar Patel's participation in India's Super Four match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup is uncertain due to a head injury sustained while fielding during the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against Oman in Abu Dhabi, as per a report from ESPNcricinfo.

Patel hurt himself attempting a catch in the 15th over of Oman's chase and walked off the field in discomfort. 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.

India's fielding coach, T Dilip, has provided some reassurance, stating that Patel "looks fine" after the match. However, with less than 48 hours to prepare for the match against Pakistan, Patel's fitness remains a concern.

If Patel is ruled out, India may need to field only two spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, and a pacer would likely replace him. Patel had a good outing with the bat against Oman, scoring 26 off 13 balls, and his absence could impact India's team combination and flexibility.

The two other like-for-like options India can summon if required are Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar, who are both part of their standby list.

Axar only bowled one over in the innings, conceding four runs, with India employing eight bowlers on their way to a 21-run win.

Although fielding coach T Dilip said Patel looked "fine" after the match, the short turnaround between games poses a challenge for the all-rounder's recovery.

India will face Pakistan on Sunday in their first Super Four clash, their first meeting in the group stage ended with a landslide 7-wicket drubbing for Pakistan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is worrying. Axar has been crucial with both bat and ball. Hope he recovers quickly but concussion protocols should be strictly followed. Safety over everything!
A
Ananya R
Washington Sundar should get the chance if Axar is out. He's been waiting for opportunities and is a similar type of player. Perfect replacement! 💪
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Vikram M
Why risk him against Pakistan? We already beat them convincingly in group stage. Better to give him proper rest and have him fit for later matches.
Michael C
The team management needs to be more careful with head injuries. Remember what happened with Pant? Shouldn't take any chances with concussions.
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Priya S
Get well soon Axar! 🙏 His batting cameo against Oman was brilliant. Hope he recovers in time but health is more important than any match.

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