Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has voiced his disappointment over all-rounder Axar Patel’s underwhelming performances in Asia Cup 2025. Karthik noted that the seasoned player has struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball so far in the tournament.
Axar has featured in all of India’s matches in the ongoing Asia Cup. In six games, the left-arm spinner has taken four wickets at an average of 28, with an economy rate of 7. With the bat, he has scored 57 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 132.55. In the Super 4 clash vs Sri Lanka on September 26, the 31-year-old went for 32 runs in three overs without taking a wicket.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik acknowledged that Axar has been out of form during the tournament. He added, however, that the Indian team management is likely to continue backing him for the final against Pakistan, given the all-round value he provides. Karthik remarked:
“I think he’s been slightly off-color in this tournament so far. With the bat as well, a bit rusty. With the ball, he’s tended to bowl slightly short in trying to preempt what the batsman is doing. But you’ve got to back him. He’ been such an elite bowler and a terrific performer in T20 cricket. But it’s definitely not been his best tournament, without a doubt.”
“Very Ordinary”: Dinesh Karthik Critiques India’s Fielding In Asia Cup 2025
India’s fielding in Asia Cup 2025 has been largely underwhelming. They let several simple catches slip during the Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although the Men in Blue performed somewhat better in the field against Sri Lanka, a few careless moments still stood out.
Looking ahead to the final, Dinesh Karthik shared his thoughts on India’s lackluster fielding:
“In this tournament, India head and shoulders above everybody else with batting and bowling, but very ordinary on the field. I don’t think you can not speak about that. It’s an area to be addressed, but it’s a bit too late in this tournament.”
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