Hardik Pandya injury update: Here's latest on India's opening bowler and Abhishek Sharma before India vs Pak Asia Cup Final 2025

Asia Cup Final 2025 India Vs Pakistan: On the eve of India’s biggest test in the tournament, an unexpected twist has unsettled the camp. Just before the crucial final against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai, two of India’s key performers, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opener Abhishek Sharma, walked off during the match against Sri Lanka. Hardik Pandya left the field after bowling just one over, while Abhishek left the field midway through the Sri Lankan innings. Their sudden exits have raised concerns at a time when the team is preparing for one of the most anticipated contests of the year.

Hardik Pandya Injury Update Today:

There are unconfirmed reports that Indian all rounder will play today's crucial final madia. Some social media users have posted clips of Hardik Pandya practising today. However, there is no official confirmation about his availability for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final match.

Earlier, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma after both players left the field during the match against Sri Lanka. India will face Pakistan in the tournament final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.


Hardik bowled the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings, picked up a wicket, but did not return to the field. Abhishek, who scored 61 runs off 31 balls, left during the ninth over.

“Both of them struggled with cramps during the game,” Morkel told reporters.

“Hardik will be assessed on Sunday Morning, and we’ll make a call on that. But both of them were just struggling with cramps during the game. Abhishek is fine,” he said.

Asia Cup Final 2025: India’s performance

India won against Sri Lanka in a match decided in the Super Over, keeping their unbeaten record intact. Morkel said the game was a reminder for the team that there is still work to do.

“I don’t think in this tournament we’ve played the complete game,” he admitted.

“After every game there are discussions on areas we’d like to improve. With batting, can we rotate strike better in tough conditions, run harder between the wickets, and protect partnerships? From a bowling perspective, we need to sharpen our lengths, accuracy and decision-making in the first 10 overs, and be smarter in using variations like the yorker during the middle phase.

“In the field, we’ve worked hard on catching under lights, so maybe it’s just a confidence issue. Across departments, there’s still work to be done. We are by no means the finished article, and we know that.”

Asia Cup Final 2025 India vs Pakistan: Recovery plans before final

The coach added that the players had a rest day before the final. The focus will be on recovery sessions rather than training.

“The key for the boys is to rest,” he said. “They’re already in ice baths, and recovery started right after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and staying off your feet. There will be pool sessions and massages before they get mentally ready for Sunday’s big battle. It’s a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training.”

Asia Cup Final 2025: India’s road to the final

India entered the Asia Cup final unbeaten, with strong performances across the group stage and Super 4. They overcame Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan with comfortable margins before edging past Sri Lanka in a tense Super Over finish. The batting unit showed depth, while the bowlers played key roles in defending totals. Despite moments of inconsistency, the team’s ability to handle pressure ensured they booked a place in the summit clash.

Asia Cup Final 2025: Pakistan’s road to the final

Pakistan’s campaign began with a narrow win against Afghanistan before they outplayed Bangladesh to seal their spot in the knockout stage. A disciplined bowling display against Sri Lanka gave them momentum, and their batting order found form at the right time. Despite bad performances against India, Pakistan qualified for the Asia Cup 2025 Finals to set up the much-anticipated clash against India in Dubai.