Delhi:( The COW News Digital)-Just days before the much-anticipated Pakistan-India Asia Cup 2025 final, the Indian cricket team has been hit with a major concern — star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s participation in the title clash is now uncertain.
According to Indian media reports, Pandya suffered a fitness scare during the last Super Four match against Sri Lanka, played on Friday, September 26, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After dismissing Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis in his very first over, Pandya was seen holding his thigh and quickly left the field. He did not return for the remainder of the match, raising questions about his availability for the final.
India had set a target of 202 runs batting first, but Sri Lanka, thanks to a brilliant 107 from Pathum Nissanka, tied the game. The match went into a Super Over, where India chased down the three-run target in just one ball, securing their place in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Speaking to the media, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel attempted to calm fears, saying Pandya was not seriously injured but was instead suffering from severe cramps due to the humid conditions in Dubai. “It doesn’t look like a major injury. We will assess his fitness on Saturday and take a call on his availability for the final,” Morkel explained.
Adding to the team’s concerns, young batter Abhishek Sharma, who has been in sublime form with three consecutive half-centuries, also experienced cramps during fielding and briefly left the ground. However, he returned later and finished the match without further issues.
If Pandya is ruled out, reports suggest that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could be drafted into the playing XI for the high-stakes final. This would leave India without one of their key all-rounders, potentially affecting the team balance.
The India-Pakistan clash is already being billed as a historic encounter, as it marks the first time the two sides will meet in an Asia Cup final. India also enjoys a psychological edge, remaining unbeaten against Pakistan in T20 cricket since their Super Four clash in 2022. Pandya’s fitness could be a decisive factor in whether India maintains that dominance.
