Morkel: Hardik Pandya to be assessed ahead of Asia Cup final, Abhishek fine

Hardik Pandya’s fitness and availability for the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday will be assessed on match eve, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel told reporters after the final Super Four game against Sri Lanka.

Hardik left the field clutching his hamstring after bowling the opening over, in which he picked the wicket of Kusal Mendis. India’s opening batter Abhishek Sharma had also left the field during the game, but Morkel said the left-hander was fine.

“Both of them struggled with cramps. We will assess Hardik tonight and tomorrow morning and take a call on that. Abhishek is fine,” Morkel said.

In case Hardik misses the final against Pakistan, India’s team balance could be significantly disturbed, as the all-rounder, along with playing the finisher’s role with the bat, has doubled up as the second seamer.

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Though he hasn’t scored too many runs, especially with the openers firing, Hardik’s 29-ball 38 was crucial in India’s 41-run win over Bangladesh on Thursday.

The 31-year-old has scored 48 runs in four innings and picked four wickets in the ongoing competition.

In Hardik’s absence, one of Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana may have to step in, which will impact India’s batting depth. Moreover, Arshdeep and Rana have been off-colour in this tournament, and went for 100 runs in eight overs between them against Sri Lanka.

In the only other match they played in this Asia Cup, against Oman, Arshdeep and Rana were taken for 62 runs in seven overs.

Though Morkel didn’t want to make excuses, the South African acknowledged that the lack of game time may have negatively affected Arshdeep and Rana’s performances.

“The way these guys train, the effort they put in training, we expect them to go out and deliver every time,” he added.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Shivam Dube were rested for the dead rubber against the Lankans, and will return to the playing XI for the summit clash.

Published on Sep 27, 2025