The Asia Cup has already delivered its fair share of drama, but for Indian cricket fans, a moment of concern overshadowed an otherwise comfortable victory against Oman. All-rounder Axar Patel suffered a head injury during the Group A encounter, sparking worries about his availability for the crucial Super Four stage, particularly the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, has since provided an update, offering a glimmer of hope, but the situation remains fluid.

Axar Patel suffers head injury after a nasty fall

The incident occurred in the 15th over of Oman’s innings. Axar, known for his athleticism and safe pair of hands, attempted to complete a catch off a skier. In a rare misjudgment, he fumbled the ball and, in the process, awkwardly hit his head on the ground. The impact looked nasty, and Axar was immediately attended to by the medical staff. He subsequently left the field and did not return for the remainder of Oman’s innings, leaving fans and the team management anxious.

Fielding coach provides update on Axar

Following the match, fielding coach Dilip addressed the media, providing the first official update on Axar’s condition. His initial assessment suggested that the injury, while concerning at the moment, might not be as severe as initially feared. Modern concussion protocols in cricket are stringent, and any head injury is treated with extreme caution, often requiring a period of observation and specific clearance from medical professionals.

“Just now I’ve seen Axar, he looks fine now at this point of time. That’s what I can say about it,” said Dilip in the post-match press conference.

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Axar’s absence could disrupt India’s team balance

Given that India’s first Super Four match is just around the corner, Axar will likely be under close observation. Even if he feels well, the medical team will need to be absolutely certain he has no lingering symptoms before clearing him to play. Axar made a useful contribution with the bat against Oman, smashing 26 runs off just 13 balls, though he bowled only a single over, giving away four runs. India rotated as many as eight bowlers in their 21-run victory.

However, his potential unavailability could be a major blow to the team’s balance. As a left-arm orthodox spinner and a reliable lower-order hitter, Axar adds vital depth to both departments. If he fails to clear fitness for the big clash, India may be forced to alter their combination by bringing in an extra pacer, which could weaken the batting depth they usually rely on.

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