Axar Patel Injury Update: India All-Rounder doubtful for Super-4 clash against Pakistan; Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar on Standby

With less than 48 hours until the high-stakes encounter, Team India's strategy under captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir could undergo significant changes if Axar is ruled out.

The mishap occurred in the 15th over of Oman's innings at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Axar, fielding at mid-off, sprinted to intercept a lofted shot from Oman's Hamid Mirza. In a split-second attempt to catch the ball, it slipped from his grasp, causing him to lose balance and tumble awkwardly to the ground. The 30-year-old appeared in visible pain, clutching his head and neck, before being assisted off the field by the team physio. He did not return for the remainder of Oman's chase, raising immediate concerns about concussion or whiplash-like injuries common in such falls.

Despite the setback, Axar had already made notable contributions in the match. Batting at No. 5, he smashed a quickfire 26 runs off just 13 balls, including aggressive strokeplay that propelled India to a competitive 188/8. His explosive 45-run partnership with Sanju Samson, who top-scored with 56, was pivotal in steadying the innings after early wickets. On the bowling front, Axar delivered only one over, conceding four runs, as India experimented with eight bowlers to secure a 21-run victory and advance in the tournament.

India's fielding coach, T Dilip, addressed the media post-match, providing a cautiously optimistic update. "Axar is doing fine after the blow to his head while fielding," Dilip stated. However, with the short turnaround time and strict concussion protocols in place, medical assessments will determine his fitness. Sources indicate that Axar underwent initial scans, and while no fractures were reported, rest and monitoring are essential to avoid long-term risks.

If Axar misses the Super-4 showdown, it could disrupt India's balance, especially in the spin department where his left-arm orthodox bowling and lower-order batting provide versatility. Standby players Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar are primed as potential replacements. Parag, known for his dynamic all-round skills from IPL stints with Rajasthan Royals, could add flair, while Sundar offers reliable off-spin and batting depth, having impressed in recent domestic outings.

This injury comes at a pivotal moment for India, who are aiming to dominate the Super-4 stage. The team has a storied history in T20 cricket, recently celebrating 250 T20Is with two World Cup triumphs, a 66% win record, MS Dhoni as the most successful captain, and Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer. Fans will hope Axar recovers swiftly, but preparations for alternatives are underway.