Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup final. The all-rounder didn’t take the field for the last 18 overs of the Bangladesh match on September 26.
Later, India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel claimed that Hardik had suffered cramps. It wasn’t confirmed whether he’ll play against Pakistan, and that’s exactly what has happened.
Rinku Singh to make Asia Cup debut
Shivam Dube, who was rested against Bangladesh, comes back into the side. But, shockingly, it’s not him who replaces Hardik but Rinku Singh. Now remember, Hardik was India’s second pacer after Jasprit Bumrah, but now that role will be played by Dube. Bumrah was rested in the last match as well, and he comes back in.
“Unfortunately, Hardik misses out due to a niggle. Arshdeep and Harshit also miss out. Bumrah, Dube, and Rinku come in,” India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav said after winning the toss in Dubai.
Arshdeep Singh sits out
Rinku’s inclusion is the most shocking aspect of India’s Playing XI. He hadn’t played any matches in the Asia Cup, but will make his debut straightaway in the final. One also wonders how, despite bowling so well against Bangladesh, Arshdeep Singh has been left out.
Thinking about Dube bowling the second over just doesn’t seem right. If he doesn’t, then it’ll either be Axar Patel or Varun Chakaravarthy bowling the powerplay, which might decrease their effectiveness in the middle overs (7-15).
India’s Playing XI vs Pakistan, Asia Cup Final
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Bench: Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh
