Hardik & Abhishek Fit for Asia Cup Final, Confirms Morkel

Dubai, September 27, 2025: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has eased concerns over the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Both players are being closely monitored after experiencing cramps during India’s Super Over thriller win against Sri Lanka.

Hardik Pandya left the field in the opening over of Sri Lanka’s innings after dismissing Kusal Mendis. The all-rounder was seen holding his left hamstring and did not return to the field. “Hardik had cramps. He will be assessed tonight and again tomorrow morning before we take a call,” Morkel said at the post-match press conference, supporting captain Suryakumar Yadav’s earlier comments.

Young opener Abhishek Sharma also faced a scare when he clutched his right thigh in the ninth over. He received ice treatment and pickle juice for cramps, with substitute fielders Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma filling in during his absence.

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Despite these fitness issues, India managed to edge past Sri Lanka in a tense Super Over encounter, setting up a blockbuster final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Morkel emphasized recovery as the priority, noting that players would not train ahead of the final. “The key for the boys is to rest. They’re already in ice baths and recovery has started straight after the match. The best way now is sleep and staying off their feet,” he explained. Light recovery sessions, including pool therapy and massages, are planned for Saturday.

The coach also defended young seamers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who conceded 100 runs in eight overs against Sri Lanka before Arshdeep held his nerve in the Super Over. “We want to move away from an excuse culture. The work they put in at training is outstanding, and we back them to deliver. These are X-factor players and real match-winners,” Morkel added.

India will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, with both Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma expected to be assessed ahead of the high-stakes clash.