India’s Hardik Pandya appeared to be in pain and had to leave the pitch midway through the India versus Sri Lanka Super Fours match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Notably, he had a cramp during fielding and was unable to continue playing in the game, which India won with a thrilling Super Over in Dubai. As a result, the superstar cricketer’s availability for the forthcoming final versus Pakistan is uncertain.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, provided a critical update on Hardik Pandya condition, stating that he will be evaluated a day before the final.
Notably, Abhishek Sharma experienced a similar cramp scenario, but his suffering was not as severe as Hardik’s. As a result, while the opening batter appears to be in terrific shape to play in the final, Hardik’s status will be determined only once the BCCI medical staff conducts an examination of him.
“So both of them [Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma] struggled with cramp during the game. Hardik will be assessed till tomorrow morning, and then we will make a call on his situation. But both of them struggled with cramp during the game. Abhishek is fine,” the bowling coach said during the post-match presentation after the game on Friday.
No training for Pakistan clash, only recovery: Morne Morkel
He also shared that none of the players will be engaging in any training session on Saturday, so that they can stay fresh and give themselves enough time to undergo recovery and enter the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan afresh.
“I don’t think there will be any training tomorrow, so the key for the boys, they’re already all in the ice bars and their recovery sort of started straight away after the game. The best way to recover is to sleep and to stay off your feet. So hopefully they can all get a good night’s sleep tonight. When we wake up on Saturday, I’m pretty sure there will be an individual pool session organized and then from there, it’s just getting a flush from the masseuses, getting massages and getting themselves mentally ready for a big battle on Sunday,” Morkel added.
Speaking of the summit clash of the competition, India and Pakistan will be going shoulder-to-shoulder against each other for the first time in a final in 41 years of Asia Cup history. The game will be hosted by the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. If India pull off a win, they will not only defend their title from 2023, but also extend their record of nine title wins at the marquee tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, have a chance to lift their third Asia Cup title.
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