India’s Big Worry: Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma Injured Before Pakistan Clash

Sports News: India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya is facing a fitness scare ahead of the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday. Bowling coach Morne Morkel said Pandya suffered cramps and will be checked again on Friday night and Saturday morning. The final decision on whether he can play will depend on the medical reports. Pandya had to leave the field after the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings on Friday, despite taking the wicket of Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, and did not return for the rest of the match. With the final just two days away, fans are concerned about his availability.

Fitness Scare for Hardik and Abhishek

“Hardik is experiencing cramps and will be evaluated later tonight and again tomorrow morning. We will then take a call on that,” Morkel told the media after the match. His comments echoed what India’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav said at the post-match presentation. Star batter Abhishek Sharma also missed the entire second half of Sri Lanka’s innings. He appeared to be in pain during the ninth over, holding his right thigh as he ran. He left the field in the 10th over, just before Pathum Nissanka’s six was ruled a dead ball as Abhishek had not completely exited before Varun Chakravarthy’s run-up.

Emergency Substitutions on the Field

Like Pandya, Abhishek spent the rest of the innings taking ice treatment and pickle juice to ease cramps. In their absence, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma came in as substitute fielders at different times. Tilak Varma also stepped off the field for a short hydration break but returned soon after. The match against Sri Lanka extended past its planned end due to the Super Over. This has made India’s turnaround before the final on Sunday, September 28, even tighter.

Recovery Plans Before the Big Final

The key for the boys is to rest. They’re in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. Morkel said the most effective way to recover is by resting and keeping off their feet, hoping the players get a full night of sleep. Morkel added that each player will have separate pool sessions, followed by massages, to prepare mentally for Sunday’s big match. With little time to recover, smart play will be crucial.