Asia Cup 2025: Axar Patel doubtful for IND vs PAK clash due to concussion injury

Published - 20 Sept 2025, 12:33 IST | Updated - 20 Sept 2025, 13:07 IST

Star all-rounder Axar Patel is in doubt for India’s Super Four clash with Pakistan on Sunday after suffering a blow to the head while fielding in the Group A game against Oman in Abu Dhabi. The incident took place following a missed chance that ended with Axar hitting the turf and him walking off the field.

The injury happened in the 15th over of Oman’s chase when Hammad Mirza mistimed a shot toward mid-off. Axar ran across, juggled the ball, lost his footing, and hit his head on the ground. The cricketer clutched his head and neck and was escorted off by the physio, not returning to bowl after a solitary over. India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, tried to open up about his injury during the post-match press conference.

“Just now I've seen Axar, he looks fine now at this point of time. That's what I can say about it. 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,” said T Dilip

Meanwhile, Axar had contributed well with the bat in Abu Dhabi, arriving at No. 5 to hit 26 off 13 balls, including three fours and a six, helping to accelerate India’s innings. With the ball, he bowled only one over, conceding four.  If Axar is not cleared, India faces a selection dilemma. The team has used a three-spinner option in Dubai so far with Kuldeep Yadav among the specialists, but the management rested Varun Chakravarthy for the Oman game when they played an extra seamer.

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Furthermore, the defending champions will be delighted with their performance after winning all three of their league games and will hope to carry the same momentum in the Sunday clash. In the 14 games the arch rivals have played, India have come out victorious on 10 occasions, while Pakistan has won only three, with one ending in a tie.