Will Hardik Pandya & Abhishek Sharma play Asia Cup 2025 Final? Morne Morkel reveals

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has revealed the extent of injuries sustained by the Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma during the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, in Dubai.

For the unversed, Pandya and Abhishek were off the field due to cramps during the second innings on Friday. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Morkel stated that while Abhishek is fine, they will assess Hardik Pandya overnight and make a call on his participation on the match day.

Interestingly, Hardik Pandya left the field after bowling his first over of the second innings. Morkel asserted that all players will get enough recovery period since there is no training session scheduled for the players on Saturday.

"Both of them struggled with cramps. Hardik, we will assess tonight and tomorrow morning and make a call. But both of them struggled with cramps. Abhishek is fine,” Morkel said at the post-match press conference. 

"I don't think there will be any training on Saturday. The key for the boys is that they are already in the ice box, and recovery started after the game. The best way is to get a good night's sleep, and I'm sure there will be a pool session organised for the guys. They will get massages and get them mentally ready for the big battle. It is a quick turnaround, playing smart is going to be the key," he added.

Shifting our focus to the details of the game, India batted first and posted a dominating total of 202/5 in 20 overs. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma continued his good form, amassing 61 runs in 31 balls. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma (49*) and Sanju Samson (39) had an exceptional time.

In the chase, Sri Lanka took the game to the Super Over, thanks to exceptional batting skills from Pathum Nissanka (107) and Kusal Perera (58). Nevertheless, India went on to win the Super Over quite comfortably, staying unbeaten in the Asia Cup 2025.

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