Major Update On Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma’s Fitness Before Asia Cup 2025 Final vs Pakistan

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has downplayed injury concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai on September 28 (Sunday).

Pandya bowled the first over of the second innings against Sri Lanka on September 26 (Friday) and even dismissed Kusal Mendis, but walked off clutching his left hamstring and didn’t return for the rest of the innings.

Abhishek, meanwhile, smashed 61 off 31 deliveries in the first essay and then walked off in the ninth over of the second innings after discomfort in his right thigh. Like Pandya, he took no further part in the field.

"Hardik had cramps, he will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, we'll then take a call on that," Morkel said at the post-match press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He added that recovery protocols are already in motion: "The key for the boys is to rest. They're in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully they can get a good night's sleep.

"There will be individual pool sessions for the guys organised. Then some massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle on Sunday. It's a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training."

India would ideally want both players fully fit for the final. Abhishek is currently the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 309 runs in six innings at an average of 51.50 and a stunning strike rate of 204.64.

While Pandya hasn’t been used heavily with either bat or ball in the tournament so far, he remains India’s go-to man for high-pressure occasions.

Against Sri Lanka, India rested Jasprit Bumrah and fielded Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Arshdeep redeemed himself in the Super Over by conceding only two runs, but had earlier gone for 46 in his four overs. Harshit leaked 54 in his spell.

"In our environment we want to move away from an excuse culture. The effort they put in at training, we expect them to go out there and deliver. Yes, sometimes lack of game time is a factor. You can bowl as many overs as you like in the nets, but nothing beats game time.

"The quality of work we put in, we expect the guys to deliver. At the moment, things aren't happening for them but the team is winning, they're all X-factor players and real match winners."