'Hardik Pandya’s knee twisted': Fresh update puts India’s Champions Trophy dream in jeopardy

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of the final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Yograj stated that the Indian all-rounder might have suffered a knee injury during the four-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal in Dubai on March 4.

Hardik Pandya played a crucial cameo in the successful chase of 264 at the Dubai International Stadium. He came to the crease at No. 7 when India needed 40 runs off 42 balls. The all-rounder shifted the momentum in India's favor by smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Adam Zampa in the 47th over.

Hardik Pandya's Knee Was Twisted - Yograj Singh Drops Bombshell

Yograj Singh said that Hardik Pandya twisted his knee during the semifinal against Australia but continued to play through the pain. Speaking to ANI, Yograj said that cricket is a religion in India and urged fans to support players during tough times.

"Cricket is a religion in our country. When these players, who give their blood and sweat for us, when they fall, pick them up, when they feel sad, console them, when they cannot walk, then lift them on your shoulders," Yograj told ANI.

"Hardik's knee was twisted. But he scored some sixes and stood for his country. People should learn from this. He did get himself a runner. People should be positive, irrespective of win or loss. If you keep talking down on a player, he goes down forever," he added.

Hardik Pandya to Play for India in Champions Trophy 2025 Final?

Hardik scored 28 runs off 24 balls, including three sixes and a four. He was dismissed in the 48th over, but KL Rahul sealed the win with a six. The Rohit Sharma-led team completed the chase with 11 balls to spare. They also secured a place in the final for the third consecutive time in the Champions Trophy.

The all-rounder showed no signs of discomfort during the match. The BCCI has not released any official statement regarding his fitness, and head coach Gautam Gambhir did not speak about the matter in his post-match press conference. Hardik Pandya is set to feature in the final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.

Yograj Singh Calls Virat Kohli a Match-Winner After Half-Century vs Australia

Yograj Singh praised Virat Kohli for his crucial knock of 84 but was disappointed that the batter missed out on a second century in the tournament. The veteran cricketer said that Kohli is a proven match-winner and should have finished the game.

"Virat is a match-winner. But I feel sad because that shot was unnecessary. He should have finished the match. He is like a son to me. He could have done a century and had India lost, it would have been wasted," Yograj said.

"He changed the game today. I would like to say this to people who criticise Virat, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, that they should stop, become your child's support so that we keep make progress."

Also read: Steve Smith announces retirement after Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final loss to India