Asia Cup 2025 final: Will injured Hardik Pandya & Abhishek Sharma play against Pakistan?

India bowling coach Morne Morkel shared injury updates on Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma after Suryakumar Yadav’s team edged out Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over finish during the final Super 4s match of the Asia Cup 2025. Speaking to the media at the Dubai International Stadium, the former South African pacer confirmed that Abhishek is fine, while Hardik will undergo further assessment on Saturday. He explained that both players were affected by cramps during India’s bowling innings, which forced them off the field.

Hardik was seen clutching his left hamstring and left the field after completing just one over, in which he dismissed Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck. He did not return for the remainder of the innings, leaving India to cope without him.

Abhishek, meanwhile, showed discomfort while running in the ninth over and was spotted holding his right thigh. He walked off the field in the 10th over and, like Hardik, received treatment involving ice and pickle juice for cramps.

“Both of them were battling cramps during the game. With Hardik, we’ll monitor him tonight and tomorrow morning before making a decision. Abhishek is fine,” Morkel told reporters.

Morkel also confirmed that India will skip training on Saturday, September 27, the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, to prioritize recovery. According to him, the management wants the squad fully rested for the title clash.

Because of the Super Over, the game extended well past its scheduled finish. “The key for the boys is recovery. They’ve already started with ice baths. Sleep and rest are the best remedies. Hopefully, they can get a good night’s rest,” Morkel said.