**Dinesh Karthik Expresses Disappointment Over Axar Patel’s Asia Cup 2025 Performance**
Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has voiced his disappointment over experienced all-rounder Axar Patel’s below-par showings in the Asia Cup 2025. According to Karthik, the versatile cricketer has not been at his best with either the bat or the ball so far in the tournament.
Axar Patel has featured in all of India’s matches in Asia Cup 2025 to date. 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 against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, the 31-year-old bowler was particularly expensive, finishing with figures of 0-32 from three overs.
During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Karthik agreed that Axar has struggled for form in the tournament, both as a batsman and a bowler. However, he believes the Indian team management is likely to back him for the upcoming final against Pakistan, considering the value he brings to the side.
Karthik said,
“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’s been such an elite bowler and a terrific performer in T20 cricket. But it’s definitely not been his best tournament, without a doubt.”
Despite a below-par Asia Cup campaign, Axar has had moments of impact in the tournament. As Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper, he registered impressive bowling figures of 2-18 against Pakistan in the group game. With the bat, he contributed unbeaten 21 off 15 balls against Sri Lanka and scored 26 off 13 against Oman.
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**“Very Ordinary” Fielding Display by India in Asia Cup 2025**
India’s fielding efforts in Asia Cup 2025 have been underwhelming. The team dropped several easy catches in their Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although there was improvement against Sri Lanka, they still displayed moments of sloppiness in the field.
Reflecting on India’s inconsistent fielding as they approach the final, Karthik commented,
“In this tournament, India is 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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**Looking Ahead to the Asia Cup Final**
Having defeated Pakistan twice—once in the group stage and again in the Super 4 round—the Men in Blue are set to face their arch-rivals for the third time in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The title clash will take place in Dubai on Sunday, September 28.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see whether Axar Patel regains his form and whether India can improve their fielding performances to seal the championship.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-dinesh-karthik-big-statement-axar-patel-ind-vs-sl-asia-cup-2025-super-4-match
