Hardik Pandya (ACC Photo)
In a stunning turn of events, Team India has been dealt a massive blow just hours before their highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals Pakistan. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been officially ruled out of the championship match, set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pandya’s absence is a significant setback, as he is widely considered one of India’s premier match-winners, especially in high-pressure contests against Pakistan. His crucial role in the team’s strategy, both with bat and ball, makes this injury particularly impactful. Concerns about his fitness first arose during India’s Super Four match against Sri Lanka on Friday, where he bowled just the opening over, took a wicket, and then left the field, not returning for the remainder of the game.
Speculation surrounding his availability intensified on match day when Hardik was seen walking onto the field alongside the team physio, without his spikes, and visibly moving with some discomfort. These fears were unfortunately confirmed at the toss by skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
“Unfortunately, Hardik misses out due to a niggle,” announced Captain Suryakumar Yadav, explaining India’s decision to bowl first. He further elaborated on the team changes, stating that Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were omitted, making way for Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. Yadav expressed confidence in the team’s recent performance, adding, “The brand of cricket we have been playing for the last 5-6 games is pretty good, and we would like to continue that.”
The timing of Pandya’s injury adds an extra layer of disappointment, as the dynamic all-rounder was on the cusp of a significant personal milestone. With 98 wickets from 120 T20 International appearances, he was just two dismissals shy of becoming only the second Indian bowler, after Arshdeep Singh, to achieve the impressive feat of 100 wickets in the format. Throughout this Asia Cup, Pandya had already demonstrated his value, securing four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 8.57.
Earlier, India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, had disclosed on Saturday that both Pandya and opener Abhishek Sharma experienced cramps during the match against Sri Lanka. While Abhishek Sharma was deemed fit, Morkel indicated that Hardik’s condition required further assessment.
Indeed, with Hardik Pandya out of action, India faces a critical void, impacting both the team’s crucial batting depth and their formidable seam-bowling arsenal.
India’s Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan’s Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed