'There will certainly be no training': Morkel gives fitness update on Hardik and Abhishek ahead of Asia Cup final

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has given an update on the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai. Hardik and Abhishek spent most of Sri Lanka’s innings off the field during their final Super 4 clash on Friday, September 26.

Hardik walked off the field after bowling just one over during Sri Lanka’s chase. He dismissed Kusal Mendis for a golden duck in that over but was later seen holding his hamstring and did not return to the field for the rest of the innings. Abhishek looked uncomfortable while running in the ninth over of the same innings and left the ground.

Morkel provides an update on Hardik, Abhishek

India’s middle-order batter Tilak Varma also appeared to have hurt his left hamstring while fielding in the Dubai heat. He was seen walking off the field in the 18th over of the chase. Morkel said after the match that Hardik only had cramps and would be checked again before the final. He said that all these players were given ice baths immediately after the game to start the recovery process.

“Hardik had cramps, he will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, we’ll then take a call on that. The key for the boys is to rest. They’re in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully they can get a good night’s sleep,” Morkel said at the post-match press conference.

Morkel further added that individual pool sessions and massages would be organised for these players before the big final on Sunday. He also suggested that there would be no training for the summit clash.

“There will be individual pool sessions for the guys organised. Then some massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle on Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training,” he added.

The Sri Lanka match ended in a tie and went into a Super Over after both teams scored 202 runs. India eventually managed to keep their unbeaten record intact by beating Sri Lanka in the Super Over.

India will now hope that both Hardik and Abhishek recover in time as they prepare for the much-awaited final against Pakistan. Abhishek has been key for India in this Asia Cup, providing explosive starts with the bat in almost all games. Hardik has also been phenomenal as always, helping with both the ball and the bat.