Star all-rounder Axar Patel is in doubt for India’s Super Four clash against Pakistan on Sunday. He suffered a blow to the head while fielding in the Group A game against Oman in Abu Dhabi. The incident happened after a missed chance that ended with Axar hitting the ground hard. He walked off the field holding his head and neck.
The injury occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s chase. Hammad Mirza mistimed a shot toward mid-off. Axar ran across, juggled the ball, and then lost his balance. His head hit the turf. The Indian physio rushed in and escorted him off. He did not return to bowl again after completing only one over.
India’s fielding coach T Dilip gave an update after the match. He said Axar looked fine at that point but stopped short of confirming his availability. “Just now I’ve seen Axar, he looks fine now at this point of time. That’s what I can say about it,” Dilip said. “Regarding the Pakistan game, everybody is geared up. We treat every game the same. We are ready for it.”
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Axar had made a strong contribution with the bat earlier. He came in at No. 5 and scored 26 runs from just 13 balls. His quick knock included three fours and one six. That cameo gave India momentum in the middle overs. With the ball, he bowled only one over and gave away four runs.
If Axar is not cleared to play, India could face a selection dilemma. The team has been using three spinners in Dubai. Kuldeep Yadav has been a key bowler, while Varun Chakravarthy was rested for the Oman game. India may have to rethink their balance if Axar is ruled out.
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Despite the injury scare, India are high on confidence. The defending champions have won all three of their league matches. In past Asia Cup meetings, India has dominated Pakistan, winning 10 out of 14 games. Pakistan has only three wins, while one ended in a tie.
India will now wait for the medical update on Axar before the big clash.
