Big finals come with big expectations. When India vs Pakistan is on the cricket calendar, those expectations bubble over. Fans breathe with anticipation close to every ball, Twitter/DakhlaKakadi is alight with debate, and each millisecond feels like a headline. The Asia Cup 2025 final was no different. Yet, in the aftermath of India hoisting the trophy after a nailbiter against Pakistan, one question kept rattling around: where was Hardik Pandya?
Yes, India’s all-rounder, the player who rallies the side with bat and ball, was not present in the playing XI. So, let’s dive into why that is going into the final and what that means for India.
A Niggle at the Worst Possible Time
Hardik’s exclusion was not for tactical reasons; it was purely because of injury. In India’s last Super Fours match against Sri Lanka, he bowled one over and then left the field holding his left hamstring. He clearly looked uncomfortable, and while we hold out hope for a quick recovery, he was not fit to play the final.
As for injuries and Hardik Pandya, it’s been a long-time relationship. His body has taken a huge toll over the years due to the load of being a fast-bowling all-rounder. The pressure of a big match like India vs Pakistan leaves the team with no option but to hold him back at less than 100% fitness.
The Numbers Tell the Story Too
Some might say: “Hardik wasn’t all that great in the Asia Cup anyway. Did it matter?” Alright, let’s look at the numbers. Hardik played 6 matches and had 4 wickets at an economy of 8.57. Not great, but certainly not Hardik’s best. In terms of batting, he scored only 48 runs in 4 innings, with a strike rate of 120. His best innings was 38 off 29 balls, against Bangladesh.
Not his best, but his value goes beyond the numbers. He provided a lot of valuable balance. He pitches the tough overs, he moves up and down the batting order, and he has the stones in pressure situations. Without him, India lost that two-in-one feature all teams love to have.
Rinku Steps Up, But It’s a Different Role
Hardik is irreplaceable; he had no perfect fit. Instead, India brought in Rinku Singh, who was on debut for this tournament. Rinku is primarily a finisher, and he doesn’t bowl, which meant India’s balance was automatically disrupted.
But for not having Hardik, India showed depth, character, and big-match temperament to beat Pakistan in the final to grab the Asia Cup title in 2025. Not just for the fact that India was without a star player, it was partly to demonstrate that Team India can shuffle, adjust, and still win when challenges arise.
FAQs
- Why is Hardik Pandya not playing the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final?
Hardik Pandya is out due to a hamstring niggle he picked up during the Super Fours game against Sri Lanka.
- Who replaced Hardik Pandya in India’s playing XI for the final?
Rinku Singh replaced Hardik Pandya, making his first appearance in this Asia Cup.
- Did India make any other changes for the final?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube returned, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana missed out.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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