Why didn't Pawan Sehrawat start India vs Iran final at Asian Games 2026?
Pawan Sehrawat is the vice-captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team.
India and Iran are clashing in the men’s kabaddi final at the Asian Games 2026. The winner will win the prestigious gold medal. The Asian Games, held every four years, have always been considered one of the biggest events in international kabaddi.
The Indian team won the gold medal in both the men’s and women’s events at the Asian Games 2022, where Pawan Sehrawat led the men’s team and Ritu Negi led the women’s team.
At the Asian Games 2026, the Indian women’s team, led by Pushpa Rana, has won the gold medal by defeating Iran in the final, and the men’s gold-medal match is about to begin.
Indian vice-captain Pawan Sehrawat is not included in the starting 7 against Iran in the gold-medal match. This raises questions among experts and fans. On this note, let’s understand why Pawan is not starting in the final against Iran.
Why was Pawan Sehrawat not included in India’s starting 7?
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The reason behind not including Pawan Sehrawat in the final of the Asian Games could be his current form and the team combination. Pawan has not yet delivered his best performance in the tournament, whereas other raiders have performed well.
That’s why Arjun Deshwal, Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab have been included as raiders, while Pawan will have to sit out. If the team feels he is needed, he will be substituted into the team.
As the match progresses, Indian fans will want the raiders to do well and ensure that the team does not feel Pawan’s absence. If the coaches feel it is the right time to bring Pawan into the game, they will substitute him.
Watch match highlights here:
Pawan, with his brilliance, helped India in a crunch situation in the final of the last edition of the Asian Games. Even if he isn’t in his best form, he can always be relied upon in difficult situations, and Indian fans can count on him.
His experience in high-pressure matches could prove valuable if India find themselves in a difficult situation. If called upon, Pawan will look to make an impact and help India defend their Asian Games title.
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