Team India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan have been disrupted by fitness concerns over Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma. Both players suffered cramps during India’s tense Super Over win against Sri Lanka, raising doubts about their availability for the title clash.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed after the match that Abhishek Sharma is recovering well, while Hardik Pandya’s condition will be reassessed on Saturday.
Pandya made an impact early in the game by dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, but he appeared to clutch his left hamstring soon after and left the field after just one over. He did not return for the remainder of the innings, leaving India short of an all-round option.
Abhishek Sharma also had a scare midway through the innings, holding his right thigh while running in the ninth over. He walked off the field in the 10th and underwent treatment with ice and pickle juice to ease the cramps.
Morkel clarified that the issues were not serious injuries but muscle cramps caused by the intense conditions. “Hardik, I know we’ll see sort of tonight and tomorrow 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 told reporters.
To ensure maximum recovery before Sunday’s final, India will skip their training session on Saturday. Instead, players will undergo recovery routines including ice baths, pool sessions, massages, and complete rest. “The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully, they can get a good night’s sleep,” Morkel added.
The absence of Pandya or Abhishek would be a major setback for India as they prepare to face Pakistan in the high-pressure Asia Cup final.
