Ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup rematch, Men in Blue sweat over availability of key all-rounder

India ended the group stage of the Asia Cup with three wins in as many outings after defeating Oman by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The Men in Blue turn their attention towards another Sunday blockbuster in Dubai as the face arch-rivals Pakistan a little under 36 hours from now.

The eight-time Asian champions, however, won’t be a relaxed bunch in their preparation for their second meeting against Pakistan in the ongoing tournament, with the availability of a key player under doubt.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, after all, hurt his head while fielding during Oman’s chase of the 189-run target set by India at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Axar was running backwards from mid off after Hammad Mirza sent the ball high in the air with a mishit in the 15th over of the innings, juggled with the ball a couple of times before ultimately putting it down.

In his attempt to complete the catch, Axar lost his balance and hit his head against the turf. He was seen clutching his head and his neck as he walked off the ground, not taking the field for the remainder of Oman’s innings.

Men in Blue remain positive on Axar’s availability

While fielding coach T Dilip later claimed that Axar is “fine”, the short turnaround between India’s final group match and their first Super 4s fixture makes it tricky for the Men in Blue as far as the all-rounder’s availability is concerned.

Axar is an integral part of India’s white-ball teams as a spin-bowling all-rounder who is not only handy when it comes to getting breakthroughs, but is also fairly explosive with the bat and is flexible with his position.

Should he be ruled out of the rematch against Pakistan, which is expected to be an explosive affair after the handshake saga between the two teams last Sunday, India might opt to either bring in an extra seamer in the XI or replace Axar with reserve spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag.