Explained! Why is Hardik Pandya Not Playing Asia Cup 2025 Final? Who Is His Replacement?

In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 final, Team India is all set to play Pakistan. In an attempt to win the championship, the two sides will square off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28. Hardik Pandya's injury from the last game has prevented him from playing against Pakistan, which is a major setback to Team India ahead of the match.

He was expected to recover from his injury, however, the niggle has kept him out of the big final. Hardik is a key player for India and it's a huge blow to the Men in Blue. At the same time, Pakistan will feel a sense of relief by not seeing one of the best all-rounders in the world in the playing 11 for the big game. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav informed at the toss that Hardik hasn't recovered from the niggle that he sustained during India's previous game against Sri Lanka. During the second innings of the match, Pandya walked out after the initial phase and never returned.

Hardik Pandya Injury: Who Replaces Him at Asia Cup Final?

Rinku Singh has been been named as Hardik Pandya replacement in the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan. Rinku is one of the best finishers in the world but didn't get a chance earlier during the tournament. Although Hardik contributed to India's exciting triumph over Sri Lanka, he was only able to bowl one over, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a duck. India has been forced to change their lineup for the game due to his absence.

In the batting order, Rinku replaces Hardik, and Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are replaced by the returning Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube. During India's most recent Super Four match against Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya pulled out what bowling coach Morne Morkel called "cramps." In the second innings, he bowled just one over for India before missing much of the 202-run defense. According to Morkel, Hardik would be evaluated before a call was placed.

The Indian line-up will be severely lacking in Pandya's absence due to his versatility, which provides vital balance between bowling and batting. He has been a key component of India's white-ball teams over the years. Although the team would still miss his adaptability, Axar Patel may be moved up to number seven if Pandya is unable to play.

Responsibility On Other Bowlers

On a surface that is predicted to be slow and low, Hardik Pandya Asia Cup final loss would also put more pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the bowling attack. India's batting depth may be put to the test in a high-pressure match if he is not in the lower order.

This is the first Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan since the competition's inception in 1984. Pakistan has only lost to India in this Asia Cup so far, whereas India advanced to the finals after six consecutive wins and is still the only team undefeated in the competition.

India and Pakistan have played each other 15 times in Twenty20 Internationals, and the Men in Blue have a commanding 12-3 edge over their bitter foes. Since a 2022 Asia Cup Super Four encounter, India hold an undefeated record against Pakistan in Twenty20 Internationals. This includes their victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup final versus the Men in Green.