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ABU DHABI: India all-rounder Axar Patel has emerged as a fitness concern ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster Super Four clash against Pakistan in the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.
Patel sustained a head injury on Friday during India’s final group match against Oman. The incident occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s chase when Axar sprinted in from mid-off to attempt a catch off Hammad Mirza.
He juggled the ball, lost balance, and landed head-first on the turf. The 31-year-old immediately clutched his head and neck before being helped off the field by the physio. He did not return for the remainder of the innings.
Axar had bowled just one over for four runs before the injury, but earlier contributed with the bat, striking 26 off 13 balls in a crucial 45-run stand with Sanju Samson (56) that lifted India to 188/8.
India eventually defended the total, securing a 21-run victory.
While fielding coach T. Dilip later said Axar was “fine,” the short turnaround before the Pakistan clash in Dubai leaves question marks over his availability.
His absence could upset India’s preferred three-spinner balance, with Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav the other frontline options. Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag are on standby as potential replacements.
India squad for Asia Cup 2025
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
