Abhishek Sharma Doubtful For Asia Cup Final: Know Who Can Replace Him

The Indian national cricket team are all set to lock horns with the Pakistan Cricket Team in the final of the Asia Cup 2025. The match between the two arch-rivals will be taking place at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday (28th September) and it will be the first time that these two teams will be playing in the final of the tournament.

With the Asia Cup 2025 around the final, India is mulling over the fitness of two key players ahead of their game against Pakistan. Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya went off the field during India’s last Super Four game against Sri Lanka.

While Hardik Pandya went off the field after bowling just one over, Abhishek Sharma injury forced him to leave the field in the tenth over. This raised a lot of concerns among the fans about the availability of both players ahead of the all-important final against Pakistan.

Morne Morkel Speaks on Abhishek Sharma & Hardik Pandya's fitness

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that Abhishek Sharma was fine but they will be taking a call on Hardik Pandya after assessing him. He also mentioned that both players were struggling with cramps in the last game and the team management is trying hard to get them fit before the match.

However, the reports indicate that Abhishek is fully fit and is likely to play the match. Even Hardik is believed to be fit and will be available for this important match. Abhishek is one of the best T20 batsmen in the world currently and will be key to India's chances. Let's have a look at some players who can fill in Abhishek's place in the team if he is ruled out of the match.

Who Can Be Abhishek Sharma Replacements For IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final?

There are a few players who can be Abhishek Sharma replacements in the playing 11 for the IND vs PAK Asia Cup final. However, these players are likely to slot in the middle order with Sanju Samson moving up the order.

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh has been on the bench since the start of the Asia Cup 2025. He has been among the unfortunate names, who haven’t had an opportunity in the tournament. However, he could be well in the scheme of things to be part of the XI. If Abhishek Sharma misses the game against Pakistan, then there are chances that Rinku might get drafted into the XI.

In this scenario, India can push Sanju Samson up the order and play Rinku Singh as a finisher. This can do wonders for them as Samson has been a beast as an opener and also, Rinku can provide help to Hardik and others in finishing the innings on a high.

Jitesh Sharma

Another name that can replace Abhishek Sharma in the Indian XI for the final against India is Jitesh Sharma. The keeper-batter was one of the best finishers in IPL 2025. He had a staggering time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and helped them win their maiden title in the league.

He can come into the team in the absence of Abhishek and can bat in the lower order. In this scenario too, India can promote Sanju Samson up the order. Samson slammed three tons while opening the innings last year and there was also a lot of criticism after he was asked to bat in the middle order.