Team all-rounder Axar Patel injured his head while attempting a catch during the final group match against Oman in the Asia Cup 2025. However, fielding coach T Dilip gave an update after India’s victory, confirming that the all-rounder is fine and will be available for the upcoming matches in the tournament.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led team maintained its flawless record in the ongoing Asia Cup. India defeated Oman by 21 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday, September 19. The Men in Blue finished at the top of the Group A table and advanced to the Super Four stage without a single defeat.
Injury Scare for Axar Patel Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Games
India posted 188/8 after opting to bat first. Sanju Samson was the top-scorer for India with 56 runs off 45 balls, including three fours and three sixes. Axar Patel, who came to bat for the first time in the tournament, scored 26 off 13 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six.
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Oman, led by Jatinder Singh, managed to score 167/4 in 20 overs. Patel bowled just one over for four runs and nearly dismissed skipper Jatinder Singh lbw, but the decision was overturned on review. India rotated eight bowlers during the innings.
Axar injured himself attempting Hammad Mirza’s catch off Shivam Dube in the 15th over. After fumbling multiple times, he fell awkwardly and struck his head on the ground. The left-arm all-rounder left the field immediately and did not return.
Axar Patel Looks Fine Now At This Point of Time – T Dilip
Following India’s 21-run triumph, T Dilip opened up about concerns over Axar Patel’s injury. The fielding coach confirmed that the all-rounder looked fine after the injury.
“Just now I’ve seen Axar, he looks fine now at this point in time. That’s what I can say about it,” said T Dilip in the post-match press conference.
India could be forced to adjust their bowling setup for the Pakistan match if Axar Patel is unavailable. The Men in Blue may have to move away from the three-spinner plan they’ve used in Dubai.
Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are the other primary spinners in the squad. Chakravarthy was rested for the match against Oman to allow an additional fast bowler. Washington Sundar is among the five standby players for India.
Every Game is Just Another Game – T Dilip
When asked about India’s next match against Pakistan, Dilip said that the team approaches every game with the same mindset. He stated that the Men in Blue are prepared and ready to take on their archrivals.
“Regarding the Pakistan game, everybody are geared up. We treat every game as the same, and we know the schedule, how it is panned out. So every game is just another game and we’re ready for it,” Dilip added.
India will begin their Super 4 campaign in the Asia Cup with a match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21. The Men in Blue will also face Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage. They will play all their Super 4 games in Dubai.
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