“I was very gutted” - Hardik Pandya breaks the silence on missing Asia Cup 2025 Final

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who missed the all-important Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on Sunday, September 28, in Dubai, has stated that he was gutted to miss the most important game.

Notably, India went on to register a five-wicket win against Pakistan in a thrilling encounter to lift the silverware for the record ninth time in the showpiece event. Pandya scored 48 runs in four innings and scalped four wickets in six matches. In the last Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, he managed to bowl only one over before leaving the field with an undisclosed injury. 

“I was very gutted to miss the most important game, but the way the boys played was outstanding. They showed a lot of character. These games are going to help us in the long run, where we will be tested, and we will be put under pressure. The way we held our nerves was fantastic," Pandya said in a video shared by the BCCI.

Furthermore, Pandya also heaped praise on the Indian opening batter Abhishek Sharma, who has been playing an aggressive brand of cricket, right from the first ball of the game. Notably, Sharma finished the Asia Cup 2025 campaign with the player of the tournament award, leading the run-scoring charts.

“T20 cricket is about that, come and dominate, play a fearless brand, and at the same point of time learn and adapt, I think this team is learning that. Outstanding effort by Abhishek from the top – the way he played and the fearlessness he showed, half of the game he won for us in the Power Play itself," Pandya added.

Additionally, Hardik also asserted that he always treats himself as a pure fast bowler and has taken a lot of pride in that, adding that he really enjoyed the role of taking the new ball in the showpiece event.

“I have always enjoyed any role that I am given, and this time I was handed over the new ball, which I really enjoyed. Batting has always been there, whenever the team requires, as that’s the way I like to bat," he observed.

“Bowling has been my No. 1 priority for a long time now. If Hardik Pandya bowls then batting is never a problem. I treat myself as a pure fast bowler and I have taken a lot of pride in that. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of discipline, and it has been a constant which I really enjoy," he concluded.

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