India bowling coach Morne Morkel has eased concerns over Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma after both players left the field during the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Hardik bowled just one over before leaving the field, having dismissed Kusal Mendis for a duck. He showed signs of discomfort in his hamstring and did not return for the rest of the innings. Abhishek also walked off in the 10th over clutching his right thigh after showing discomfort while running.
Both players were later treated for cramps with ice and pickle juice. Morkel confirmed that Abhishek has recovered well while Hardik will be monitored before the final.
“They were struggling with cramps. We will monitor Hardik and then make a call. But both of them were down with cramps. Abhishek looks fine,” Morkel said after the match.
The India-Sri Lanka encounter stretched into a Super Over, leaving India with little recovery time before the much-anticipated Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday, September 28.
Morkel stressed that the focus would be on recovery rather than practice before the final.
“It is important that the boys take proper rest. Their recovery started after the match with ice baths. The best way to recover is to get proper sleep and stay off the feet,” Morkel explained.
“There will be pool sessions and massages to keep them ready. We will have to play smart cricket as the turnaround time is short. There will be no training before the final,” he added.
India will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.