Team India’s preparations for their blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Pakistan suffered a major jolt on Friday, with all-rounder Axar Patel facing a fitness concern after sustaining a head injury during the group-stage game against Oman.
The incident occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s innings when Axar sprinted in from mid-off to attempt a high catch off Hammad Mirza. In his desperate dive, the 30-year-old juggled the ball and crashed head-first onto the turf. The impact left him clutching his head and neck, and he had to be helped off the field by the physio. He played no further part in the innings.
Before the setback, Axar had bowled just one over for four runs and earlier contributed a vital 26 off 13 balls with the bat, stitching a 45-run stand with Sanju Samson that propelled India to 188/8. His absence from the fielding effort forced India to rotate as many as eight bowlers, though they still sealed a 21-run victory.
Fielding coach T. Dilip later assured that Axar was “fine,” but with less than 48 hours left before the high-stakes clash in Dubai, uncertainty remains over his availability.
India’s balance under question
Axar has been India’s go-to utility option in Dubai conditions — capable of containing runs with his left-arm spin and chipping in with explosive cameos down the order. If he misses out, India’s team balance could tilt.
Varun Chakravarthy, who was rested against Oman, and Kuldeep Yadav remain the frontline spinners. However, if a like-for-like replacement is needed, the management may look towards Riyan Parag or Washington Sundar.
Super Four drama intensifies
India’s injury scare adds an extra layer of intrigue to what was already set up as the tournament’s most anticipated clash. The Super Four stage begins on Saturday with Sri Lanka taking on Bangladesh in Dubai, before the spotlight shifts to India vs Pakistan on Sunday evening.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualified from Group B, while India topped Group A ahead of Pakistan. Oman and UAE bowed out after the group phase.
The tournament’s top two teams from the Super Four will meet in the grand final on September 28 in Dubai.
