Team India’s final group game against Oman wasn’t just about clinching a 21-run win but it left the team with a scare they could have done without. All-rounder Axar Patel had to leave the field after an awkward fall while attempting a catch. This has put his availability for the much-anticipated Super Four clash against Pakistan in jeopardy.
Axar Patel cops a blow
The incident occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s chase, bowled by Shivam Dube, when Axar misjudged a skier, juggled it twice and, in the process, thudded his head into the turf. Although a safe catcher of the ball, Axar perhaps ran awkwardly and wasn’t convincing enough to take a high-pressure catch at that moment.
There are concerns regarding the Gujarati cricketer’s availability for India’s most important match of the tournament, as he did not return to the cricket field after that. He had previously bowled just one over, which heightened the uncertainty. He also made an enormous impact with the bat by hitting a fast-paced 26 off 13 balls, but his absence from the turf was noteworthy.
Coach T Dilip on Axar Patel
After the match, India’s fielding coach T Dilip addressed the injury scare. “I have seen Axar; he looks fine now at this point in time,” Dilip told reporters at the post-match press conference, calming some of the nerves in the camp. However, with the India-Pakistan showdown scheduled less than 48 hours later, the management is expected to monitor his recovery closely before making a final call.
Axar’s role goes beyond being a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. His utility as a floater in the batting order and his left-arm spin make him a crucial balancing act in India’s XI. With the Dubai track expected to aid spinners, India would love to have Axar back in the team. Even against Oman, India lost Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya within a span of 3 balls before Axar came in with positive intent. He took the pressure off a struggling Sanju Samson and then made a vital 13-ball 26.
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