- By Gurmeet Batra
- Sat, 27 Sep 2025 08:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025: India faced an injury scare in their final Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025, mere days before the highly anticipated final against traditional rivals Pakistan.
During the match against Sri Lanka, all-rounder Hardik Pandya was forced to exit the field after bowling just one over. Bowling coach Morne Morkel later explained that Pandya's discomfort was due to cramps caused by Dubai's humid conditions, rather than a serious injury.
"However, a decision on his availability for the final will be made after assessing his fitness on Saturday," India's bowling coach said after India won the match in the Super Over.
Pathum Nissanka's explosive century handed India's bowlers their toughest challenge of the Asia Cup, but the tide turned in India's favour when 'death over specialist' Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterful Super Over, securing a thrilling win for his team. This victory extends India's winning streak to six matches, setting the stage for their final showdown in the tournament.
Abhishek Sharma's third half-century of the tournament propelled India to 202/5 in 20 overs, but Pathum Nissanka's explosive century brought Sri Lanka to the brink of victory.
Abhishek was disrupted by cramps during Sri Lanka's chase, forcing him to be temporarily replaced by a substitute fielder.
"So both of them struggled with cramps. Hardik we will assess him tonight and take a call on that in the morning. Both were just struggling with cramps," Morkel explained.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that India will forego training on the eve of the final and prioritise player recovery and mental preparation ahead of the ultimate final.
"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," Morkel on India's preparation for the big final.
"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," added.
"Like I said, it's a quick turnaround, so playing this smart is going to be key. But there will certainly be no training," Morkel further stated.