Axar Patel suffers head hit vs Oman; a doubt for Pakistan Super Four game
Axar Patel suffers head hit vs Oman; a doubt for Pakistan Super Four game
Axar Patel hurt his head while fielding during India’s win over Oman in Abu Dhabi, and his availability for the Super Four match against Pakistan could be in doubt. He left the field in the 15th over after attempting a catch, holding his head and neck, and did not return for the rest of the innings.
How the injury happened
Fielding at mid-off, Axar ran in to take a high chance from Hammad Mirza. He juggled the ball, lost balance, and fell, striking his head on the turf. The physio escorted him off. India had already used him for just one over, which went for four runs, and then completed the defence using a mix of bowlers in a 21-run win.
Fitness update and short turnaround
After the match, India’s fielding coach said Axar “looks fine” at that moment, which is a positive sign. But the next match is less than 48 hours away. With such a quick turnaround, the medical team will follow head‑injury protocols and assess symptoms again before making a call. Even a mild head knock can need rest, so any decision will be cautious.
Why Axar matters for team balance
Axar’s role covers three key areas:
Left-arm spin in the middle overs, especially valuable on Dubai pitches.
Floater with the bat; he scored 26 off 13 at No. 5 against Oman and added quick runs with Sanju Samson.
Reliable fielding in the ring and outfield.
If Axar is unavailable, India may have to tweak the combination. They have used three spinners in Dubai games; without Axar, going back to that formula is harder unless a replacement is flown in.
Spin options if Axar misses out
Varun Chakravarthy: Rested against Oman, can return alongside Kuldeep Yadav as two frontline spinners.
Kuldeep Yadav: The wrist-spin threat remains central to middle-overs plans.
Reinforcements: From the reserves, Washington Sundar or Riyan Parag could be considered if a like‑for‑like is needed for control plus batting depth.
What to watch before the Pakistan game
Concussion checks and symptom monitoring over the next 24–36 hours.
Training participation: even light drills would be a positive marker.
Final XI balance: if Axar sits out, India may play an extra seamer or bring back Varun to keep two specialist spinners, while using part-time options to cover overs.
Bottom line
Axar’s head knock is a concern mainly because the Pakistan game arrives quickly. Early signs from the camp sounded calm, but head injuries are managed conservatively. If he is cleared, India retain a balanced XI with three spin options in play. If not, expect a minor reshuffle: Varun’s return with Kuldeep, plus batting roles adjusted to cover Axar’s finishing overs.