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India were dealt a huge blow ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals Pakistan as Hardik Pandya got ruled out of the all-important game due to an injury niggle. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Hardik will be missing the final. The star all-rounder suffered cramps during India's final Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Hardik bowled only one over during India's Super 4 match against Sri Lanka before leaving the field. He didn't return for the remainder of the game as India won a Super Over thriller. Earlier, India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, had said that a decision on Hardik's participation would be made ahead of the final on Sunday.
Hardik's absence is set to be a huge blow for India, as it disrupts their settled team combination that has earned them consistent results in the tournament so far. While he was bowling with the new ball in the Powerplay and getting crucial wickets, Hardik was also one of India's most reliable batters in the middle order.
India have roped in Rinku Singh to replace injured Hardik. While Rinku won't fill in for Hardik in the bowling department, his presence further strengthens India's batting line-up. Rinku will be playing his first game for India in the tournament, in the final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.
Hardik's absence leaves India with Jasprit Bumrah as the only proper pacer in the XI. All-rounder Shivam Dube will have a bigger role to play with the ball in the final. While he has done well in the tournament so far, it remains to be seen if Dube can ensure Hardik's absence in the final is not felt.
India won the toss and opted to bowl first in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav continued the no-handshake policy at the toss as he once again refused to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. Suryakumar also skipped the trophy photoshoot with Agha ahead of the final.
India and Pakistan are meeting for the third time in the final of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. India thrashed Pakistan by 7 wickets in their first meeting in the group stage, before thrashing them by six wickets in the Super 4 stage of the tournament. India will be looking to make it three wins in a row against Pakistan in the final to lift the Asia Cup 2025 title.
