Will Hardik Pandya play the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan? Bowling coach Morne Morkel drops worrying “were struggling with” statement

Hardik Pandya went off the field after bowling just one over in the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka.

Indian Cricket Team bowling coach Morne Morkel provided a massive fitness update about Hardik Pandya ahead of the final of Asia Cup 2025 against the Pakistan Cricket Team. He said that they will assess the all-rounder and will take a call. 

India, who were involved in one of the best matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka, also faced a few injury scares during the game. This came as a massive cause of concern as three of the key players in Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma went off the field. 

All happened in the second innings of the game when Hardik Pandya went off the field after bowling just one over, the first of the innings. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma, who slammed his third consecutive fifty in the tournament, also walked back after 9.2 overs. 

Tilak Varma, who played an innings of unbeaten 49, also got injured during the fag end of the match. While attempting a catch near the boundary ropes, he got hit on his hand and was then taken off the field.

Hardik, I know we’ll assess sort of tonight and tomorrow morning and we’ll make a call on that – Morne Morkel

While talking about Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma, Morkel said that both players were struggling with cramps. He added that the opening batter is fine, but the call related to Hardik will be taken after assessing him. Speaking to reporters, he said:

“Hardik, I know we’ll assess sort of tonight and tomorrow morning and we’ll make a call on that. Abhishek is fine,” Morkel said after India won the Super Over. “Both of them were just struggling with cramps.”

Morne Morkel added that there will be no training session for players on Saturday as the focus will be on getting players mentally ready for a big battle on Sunday. He added:

“When they wake up tomorrow, I’m pretty sure there will be a pool session, an individual pool session for the guys organised. And then from there, it’s just getting a flush from the masseuses, getting massages, and getting themselves mentally ready for a big battle on Sunday.

“Like I said, it’s a quick turnaround, so playing this smart is going to be key. But there will certainly be no training.”

India beat Sri Lanka in the Super Over and will be entering the final undefeated. The final between India and Pakistan will be played on 28th September at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. 

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