Hardik Pandya not 100 percent, Abhishek Sharma's medical bulletin released

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel provided a fitness update on Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma, who suffered cramps during the final Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. Morkel confirmed that Abhishek has recovered, while Hardik will be assessed on Saturday ahead of the final.

India maintained their unbeaten streak in the T20 tournament with a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai on Friday, September 26. Both sides finished level at 202 for 5, pushing the clash into a Super Over. Arshdeep Singh then delivered a superb spell, giving away just two runs, which sealed India’s win.

Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, Injuries Concern Team India

The Suryakumar Yadav-led team will take on Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, in the final match in Dubai on Sunday, September 28. There have been concerns over key players in India’s camp ahead of the summit clash.

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Hardik Pandya gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck in the first over. However, he clutched his hamstring and walked off, taking no further part in the innings.

Abhishek Sharma also had to leave the field in the 10th over after suffering from cramps. He spent the remainder of the game undergoing treatment, while Tilak Varma limped off before returning after a short break. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma came in as substitute fielders.

We Will Assess Tonight and Tomorrow - Morne Morkel on Hardik Pandya

Speaking at a press conference, Morne Morkel spoke about Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma’s fitness. He confirmed that both Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma experienced cramps during the game. Morkel stated that Abhishek has recovered, while Hardik will be closely monitored.

"Both of them struggled with cramps. Hardik Pandya, I know, we will assess tonight and tomorrow morning and we'll take a call on that. But, both of them were just down with cramps during the game. Abhishek is fine," Morne Morkel said.

Abhishek scored 61 runs off 31 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes, at a strike rate of 196.77. This was his third consecutive half-century in the tournament. Abhishek did not come out to bat during the Super Over, with Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav finishing the game.

The left-handed batter is the leading run-scorer of the tournament. Sharma scored 75 off 37 balls in the previous match against Bangladesh and smashed 74 off 39 during the Super 4 match against Pakistan.

India to Skip Training on Saturday Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Final

India will skip training on Saturday to focus on recovery ahead of the Asia Cup final on Sunday. Morne Morkel stated that rest is the priority, adding that players will benefit from a good night’s sleep. Meanwhile, Pakistan have planned a full practice session on Saturday evening at the ICC Academy.

"The key for the boys is to rest. They're already all in the ice baths and the recovery sort of started straight away after the game. And the best way to recover is sleep and to stay off your feet. So hopefully they can all get a good night's sleep tonight," Morne Morkel stated.

"When they wake up tomorrow, I'm pretty sure there will be a pool session, an individual pool session for the guys, organized. And then from there, it's just getting a flush from the masseuses, getting massages, and getting themselves mentally ready for a big battle on Sunday."

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