Axar Patel doubtful for IND vs PAK Super 4? India coach gives head injury update in Asia Cup 2025

Devansh Poddar

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Axar Patel doubtful for IND vs PAK Super 4? India coach gives head injury update in Asia Cup 2025 image

In a major blow to Team India, the Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is doubtful to start for India's upcoming Super Fours game against Pakistan.

India is set to play against Pakistan on September 21st at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If he is unavailable, the Men in Blue could lose a crucial middle overs left-arm spin option. When Axar faced Pakistan earlier in the tournament, he finished with figures of 2/18 in his 4 overs/

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The Indian allrounder got hit on the head while fielding during India's clash against Oman. Fielding coach T Dilip has now delivered an update on the all-rounder's injury.

Will Axar miss the India vs Pakistan Super Four clash?

Axar Patel suffered a head injury while taking a catch against Oman in their last league game. The all-rounder hit his head hard on the ground and had to be taken off the field, causing tensions amongst the Indian fans. 

Axar ran from mid-off to catch a miscued shot from Hammad Mirza and while he reached the ball, he failed to convert the catch as it went through his hands. The Indian all-rounder also fell awkwardly during the attempt and was seen in a lot of discomfort as he suffered a blow to his head.

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India's fielding coach, T Dilip, gave an update about the all-rounder's injury post the game. "Just now I've seen Axar, he looks fine now at this point in time. That's what I can say about it,” said the coach in the post-match press conference.

India went on to defeat Oman by 21 runs in a closely fought game. While ranked No.20 in international T20Is, Oman's spirited performance against the reigning World Champions caught a lot of eyeballs and garnered praise from across the cricketing world. 

Who will replace Axar Patel in India's playing XI?

While there is no official confirmation about the southpaw's participation in the next game, if he misses out, the question that now arises is who will replace Axar Patel for India's next game against Pakistan?

Varun Charavarthy and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be back for India's clash against the arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. One of the two bowlers can replace the Indian all-rounder in the playing XI. 

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If India decides to go ahead with the formula of playing an additional batter, Rinku Singh can then come in as a replacement. Rinku will perfectly fill in Axar's role in the batting front and can also offer some overs of off-spin if needed. 

When is the India vs Pakistan clash?

India and Pakistan will lock horns in a Super Four encounter on September 21st at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The clash is expected to produce a thriller after what transpired between the two sides when they last met, the previous week. 

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.