Mumbai: As the clock ticks down to one of cricket’s fiercest showdowns, Team India faces a nerve-wracking fitness puzzle ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on Sunday.
Reports swirling around all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s hamstring niggle have sent shockwaves through the camp, with unconfirmed whispers suggesting the star might sit out the historic title clash – the first-ever Asia Cup summit between the arch-rivals.
The drama unfolded during Friday’s nail-biting Super Four thriller against Sri Lanka at Dubai International Stadium, where India clinched a dramatic Super Over victory to stay unbeaten. Pandya, the team’s clutch performer, had barely warmed up, claiming opener Kusal Mendis’s wicket off the fourth ball of his solitary over. But agony struck soon after: a hamstring tweak in his left leg forced him off the field, leaving fans and teammates holding their breath. Bowling coach Morne Morkel, in the post-match huddle, played it cool yet cautious: “Hardik had cramps; we’ll assess him tonight and tomorrow morning before deciding on the final.” No official word from the BCCI has trickled in yet, but the uncertainty looms large – Pandya’s absence would be a massive blow, given his game-changing prowess with bat and ball in high-stakes encounters.
Compounding the headache, opener Abhishek Sharma also limped off in the ninth over of Sri Lanka’s innings, clutching his right thigh amid cramps. The young gun, fresh off a blistering 61 off 31 balls earlier, iced the discomfort and skipped further action. Morkel offered a sliver of optimism: “Abhishek is doing fine now. Recovery is key – they’ve had ice baths, and we’ll focus on rest, sleep, and personalised pool sessions today.”
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav echoed the sentiment, stressing a full recovery day sans nets to keep the squad sharp.
With the humid Dubai conditions testing endurance, India’s medical team is in overdrive, racing against time to patch up their key cogs. The final, marking the tournament’s 41-year milestone with an Indo-Pak finale, promises fireworks – but at what cost? If Pandya and Sharma rally back, it could be a dream scenario; if not, expect tactical tweaks, perhaps with Arshdeep Singh stepping up in the pace attack.
Cricket’s subcontinent saga hangs in the balance, blending glory’s allure with injury’s cruel twist. Will India defy the odds, or will Pakistan pounce on the vulnerability? The wait ends in Dubai – where heroes are forged and heartbreak is scripted.