DUBAI: Team India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan have hit a roadblock as concerns loom over the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed after India’s dramatic Super Over win against Sri Lanka that both players struggled with cramps, though Abhishek is recovering well while Hardik’s condition will be reassessed on Saturday.
Hardik Pandya suffered a setback during the bowling innings against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder dismissed Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck but was seen clutching his left hamstring before leaving the field after just one over. He did not return for the rest of the innings, leaving India without one of its key bowling options.
Abhishek Sharma’s scare midway through innings
Abhishek Sharma also faced discomfort in the ninth over, clutching his right thigh while running. He left the field in the 10th over and, like Pandya, spent the remainder of the innings off the field, undergoing treatment with ice and pickle juice to counter cramps.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Morne Morkel clarified that both players had struggled with cramps rather than serious injuries.
“So both of them struggled with cramps during the game. 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,” Morkel told reporters.
India skip training ahead of final
To ensure full recovery, Morkel revealed that Team India will not hold any training sessions on Saturday, a day before the title clash with Pakistan. Instead, players will focus on ice baths, pool sessions, massages, and rest.
“The key for the boys is to rest. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully they can get a good night’s sleep,” he said.
