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. Happening every four years, the Asian Games have always been considered one of the biggest events for 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.
In the Asian Games 2026, the Indian women’s team, led by Pushpa Rana, have already claimed the gold medal after defeating Iran in the final, while the gold-medal match of the men’s event is about to start.
Pawan Sehrawat, who is the vice-captain of the team, is not included in the starting seven 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 left out of India’s starting 7?
The reason behind not including Pawan Sehrawat in the final of the Asian Games can be his current form and the team combination. Pawan has not shown his best performance so far in the tournament, while other raiders have done well.
That’s why Arjun Deshwal, Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab have been included in the team as raiders, while Pawan will have to sit out. When 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 that it is the right time to introduce Pawan into the game, they will substitute him into the team.
Pawan, with his brilliance, helped India in a crunch situation in the final of the last edition of the Asian Games. Even though he is not quite at his best, he is always dependable in important 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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