Why Hardik Pandya Bowled Just 1 Over In India vs Sri Lanka Super 4 Clash? | Cricket News

India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s speech at the post-match presentation has raised concern of fitness of a few players ahead of the crucial final against Pakistan on Sunday. The men in blue pulled off a thrilling win against Sri Lanka on Friday via first-ever Super over of the Asia Cup history. However, the absence of a few players put India in a spot of bother.

Hardik Pandya left the field after bowling a superb first over in which he removed Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. Tilak Varma also limped off the field and didn’t return, forcing Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma to step in and field for the remainder of the innings.

Surya addressed the issue, stating that the boys have a day to recover before they return fully charged for the ultimate showdown against the arch-rivals on Sunday.

“Few boys had a lot of cramps today, we will have a recovery day tomorrow and turn up the same way we turned up today (talking about the final). Everyone got what they wanted (from the group stages) and we are very happy to be in the finals,” Suryakumar said.

The game on Friday night was meant to be a dead rubber in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2025, but it unfolded with the intensity of a final. For the first time in the tournament’s history, fans witnessed the rare thrill of a Super Over. Though India closed it out in just five deliveries, the path leading there was anything but easy.

Sri Lanka, already out of contention for the final, played with freedom and fire. Pathum Nissanka emerged as the star of the night, smashing a stunning century that had India on the ropes. His array of strokes dismantled the Indian bowling attack, with young Harshit Rana bearing the brunt.

India’s innings was anchored by the in-form Abhishek Sharma, whose purple patch showed no signs of fading. The young left-hander lit up the evening with a blazing 31-ball 61, decorated with eight boundaries and two sixes. His assault in the powerplay has become the defining feature of India’s campaign, and in this match, it not only provided early momentum but also helped his side post the highest team total of the tournament. His form continues to be one of the biggest positives for India heading into the title clash.