Axar Patel Injury Update: Latest News, Recovery Timeline, and Impact on Team India

Axar Patel injury might have made him a doubtful starter for India’s Super Four clash against Pakistan on Sunday. He got injured in the head while fielding in the Group A game against Oman in Abu Dhabi.

The incident occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s chase when Axar ran in from mid-off to try and catch a high ball from Hammad Mirza. He misjudged the catch, juggled it, and eventually dropped it before losing his balance and landing awkwardly, hitting his head on the ground.

He appeared to be in some discomfort, holding his head and the side of his neck as the physio helped him off the field. He did not return for the rest of the innings. One of the best all-rounders in India, Axar, bowled just one over in the match, giving away four runs. India rotated their bowlers heavily, using eight bowlers in total, and managed to seal a 21-run victory.

Axar Patel Injury Update for the Super Four Clash Against Pakistan

Axar Patel was among the Indian middle-order batters who got a decent outing against Oman. He walked out to bat at No. 5 and played a quick cameo, scoring 26 off just 13 deliveries. He took charge during a 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Sanju Samson, who top-scored with 56 as India posted 188 for 8. After the match, fielding coach T Dilip provided a major Axar Patel injury update.

If Axar Patel became unavailable, India might be forced to reconsider the three-spinner strategy that they’ve stuck with throughout their Dubai campaign, unless they opt to fly in an Axar Patel replacement.

Varun Chakravarthy, who sat out the Oman game to accommodate an extra seamer, and one of the best spinners in the world, Kuldeep Yadav, are currently the only specialist spinners in the squad. If a like-for-like backup is needed, India could look to Riyan Parag or Washington Sundar from their pool of reserves. Both bring all-round ability and could slot into the playing 11 if required, but that is unlikely to happen.

India and Pakistan Super Four Clash

India will open their Super Four campaign with a high-stakes rematch against Pakistan, following a heavy seven-wicket loss to their arch-rivals in the group stage. Axar Patel was one of the bright spots for India in that match, delivering an impressive spell with the ball. He picked up 2 for 18 in his four overs, claiming the crucial wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Salman Agha. But, due to his head injury, he might miss out on this significant Super Four clash, and the management would have to change the combination of the side.

Looking ahead to the much-anticipated clash, fielding coach T Dilip stressed that the team is approaching the game with a clear and focused mindset. He noted that while there’s always added intensity against Pakistan, the players are preparing for it like any other match.

India has clearly moved to the Super Four as the favourites to win the Asia Cup 2025. They are the side to beat in this tournament and will be looking to continue with the momentum to take on Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the next 3 matches.