Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed disappointment over experienced all-rounder Axar Patel’s below-par performance 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 has played all of India’s matches in Asia Cup 2025 to date. In six games, the left-arm spinner has claimed four wickets at an average of 28 and an economy rate of 7. With the bat, he has scored 57 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 132.55.
In the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, the 31-year-old proved expensive, finishing with figures of 0-32 from three overs. During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Karthik agreed with the observation that the experienced cricketer has not been in good form in the Asia Cup.
He commented, “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 disappointing overall showing, Axar has had some notable moments in the T20 tournament. The Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper registered figures of 2-18 against Pakistan in the group game. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 26 off 13 balls against Oman and an unbeaten 21 off 15 against Sri Lanka on Friday.
### “Very ordinary” – Dinesh Karthik on India’s fielding in Asia Cup 2025
India’s fielding in the Asia Cup 2025 has been below par. The Men in Blue dropped a number of easy catches in the Super 4 clashes against Pakistan and Bangladesh. While their fielding improved somewhat against Sri Lanka, there were still some sloppy moments.
Reflecting on India’s poor show in the field heading into the final, Karthik said, “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.”
### Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan
Having beaten Pakistan twice—once in the group stage and again in the Super 4 round—the Men in Blue will face off against their rivals once more in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. Given Axar Patel’s experience and the team’s trust in his abilities, Indian team management is likely to back him for the crucial final despite his recent struggles.
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