Indian all-rounder Axar Patel’s availability for India’s Super Four match against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 remains uncertain after he sustained a head injury while fielding against Oman. The injury has raised concerns about India’s team balance ahead of the high-voltage contest scheduled for Sunday.
Injury during Oman clash
The incident occurred during the 15th over of Oman’s chase in the Group A fixture at Abu Dhabi. Attempting to grab a catch off Hammad Mirza, Patel juggled the ball before hitting his head on the turf. He appeared in discomfort and walked off the field immediately, raising concerns about a possible concussion.
India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, sought to reassure fans by stating that Patel “looks fine” after the match. However, the short turnaround before the Pakistan clash—less than 48 hours—has left the team management wary about his recovery.
Key role in India’s line-up
Patel had a notable impact with the bat earlier in the game, scoring a brisk 26 off 13 balls that helped India post a competitive total. With the ball, he bowled just one over, conceding four runs, as India employed as many as eight bowlers.
If Patel is sidelined, India will likely enter the contest with only two frontline spinners—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy—forcing a reshuffle in the bowling combination. A pacer could be drafted in as a replacement, but Patel’s absence would reduce India’s all-round depth and flexibility.
Replacement options available
The team has standby players Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar, both capable of slotting in as like-for-like replacements. Sundar, in particular, offers experience in high-pressure games, while Parag’s inclusion would bring youthful energy and hitting power.
Still, neither option fully replicates Patel’s balance as a dependable left-arm spinner and lower-order batter, making his recovery a priority for the team.
India’s momentum and challenge ahead
India defeated Oman by 21 runs in the group match, employing an experimental bowling strategy with eight bowlers sharing duties. The victory secured their place in the Super Four stage, but the focus has now shifted to the marquee clash against Pakistan.
Their earlier meeting in the group stage ended with a comprehensive 7-wicket win for Pakistan, putting extra weight on India’s preparations. Patel’s presence could be crucial in providing spin control on the Abu Dhabi surface, which has shown signs of aiding turn.
Conclusion
As India gears up for the high-pressure Super Four opener against Pakistan, Axar Patel’s injury status has become a major talking point. While initial signs suggest he is recovering, the limited recovery window makes his participation uncertain. Team management is expected to take a late call on his availability, balancing player safety with the demands of a high-stakes encounter.