Team India has suffered a major setback just before the start of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the match due to injury. This news came to light during the toss at the Dubai International Stadium, where captain Suryakumar Yadav himself confirmed it.
Hardik’s absence is creating difficulties for the team, especially against a strong team like Pakistan.
Asia Cup 2025 Final: Why didn’t Hardik get a chance?
Hardik suffered the injury in the Super Four match against Sri Lanka. He bowled just one over, in which he grabbed his leg after dismissing Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis.
He did not return to the field after that. After the match, bowling coach Morne Morkel said it was just a cramp, but now it’s clear the injury is not minor.
While speaking to Ravi Shastri during the toss, Suryakumar Yadav stated that Hardik suffered a minor injury.
Major changes in the team, Rinku Singh gets a chance
Suryakumar won the toss and decided to bowl first.
He said, “Unfortunately, Hardik is not playing as he has a niggle. We have included Rinku Singh in the team. Shivam Dube has come in, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana not part of the team.”
This means that Rinku Singh has got a chance in place of Hardik, while Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube have returned to the team. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have been dropped.
These changes are meant to strengthen the team’s strategy, but Hardik’s absence will weaken both the batting and bowling.
Salman Ali Agha is the captain for Pakistan, and he wanted to bat first. His team has defeated Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in recent matches, but the form of the batsmen is a concern.
Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings, while Shaheen Afridi will handle the bowling. India now has the return of Bumrah, who can do wonders with the new ball.
Both teams are in their best form in the final. India is unbeaten in the tournament so far, but the head-to-head record against Pakistan is always exciting.
A young player like Rinku Singh getting this opportunity bodes well for the team’s future. The match will be played on a Dubai pitch, which is considered easy to chase.
