Hardik Pandya Injury Update: India Face Fitness Concerns Before Asia Cup Final vs Pakistan
India had a worrying moment in their last Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025, just two days before the big final against Pakistan. On Friday, 26 September, all-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field after bowling only one over in the game against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pandya gave India a strong start by dismissing Sri Lanka’s opener Kusal Mendis in the very first over while defending 202 runs. But soon after, he was seen holding his thigh and walked off the field. He didn’t come back for the rest of the match, which has now raised worries before the final.
Pandya and Abhishek Struggle with Cramps in Humid Dubai Conditions
Bowling coach Morne Morkel later revealed that Pandya had suffered cramps in the humid Dubai conditions. The team management, to their relief, confirmed that the all-rounder had not sustained a major injury.
"However, a decision on his availability for the final will be made after assessing his fitness on Saturday," the former South African fast bowler said.
The Indian players had to put in a tough shift on Friday as Sri Lanka, driven by Pathum Nissanka’s brilliant 107, matched India’s score by making 202 runs in 20 overs. The match went into a Super Over, but Sri Lanka collapsed, scoring only two runs in five balls.
Abhishek Sharma, who notched his third consecutive fifty of the tournament, also suffered cramps and was temporarily replaced by a substitute fielder during Sri Lanka's innings.
"So both of them struggled with cramps. Hardik we will assess him tonight and take a call on that in the morning. Both were just struggling with cramps," Morkel explained
The match, though a dead rubber, ate into India’s recovery time as it went on past midnight on Friday. By the end, the Indian players looked drained. The humid Dubai weather made things tougher, and Sri Lanka’s strong batting performance caught India off guard.
India skip training to focus on rest before final
Morkel said that India won’t have a practice session before the final and will spend the time resting. Pakistan, on the other hand, will go into the match fresher as they last played on Thursday and got an extra day to recover.
"I don't think there will be any training tomorrow. The boys are already in ice baths, and their recovery started straight after the game. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully, they can get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed tomorrow. I am sure there will be a pool session tomorrow, and some massage sessions. It's all about preparing for Sunday's game. Playing smart will be key, but I am confident there will be no training," he added.
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