Why is Hardik Pandya not playing today in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Final?

It is the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Final, as both teams are meeting for the first time in the Final of any Asia Cup, which is now 41 years old. In this Final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

It is the third meeting between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. They previously met in the group stage and Super Fours, where India comfortably won both those matches by seven wickets and six wickets, respectively. 

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Why is Hardik Pandya not playing Asia Cup 2025 Final India vs Pakistan?

Due to his injury in their last Super Fours fixture against Sri Lanka last Friday (September 26), the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unfortunately missing the Asia Cup 2025 Final. During that match, three Indian cricketers left the field during the second innings of the match: Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Verma. After his batting in that match, where Hardik was out for only two runs, he delivered the first over of the Sri Lankan innings, where he also dismissed the Lankan opener Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. The all-rounder later felt discomfort in his thigh as he walked off the field. Unfortunately, he failed to recover on time, as India are playing the Asia Cup 2025 Final with the star all-rounder. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan - Playing XIs