Hardik Pandya is not playing in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan due to a quadricep injury he sustained during India's Super Four match against Sri Lanka. He started bowling well in that match but soon left the field due to the injury and did not return. His absence was confirmed by India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss, who said Pandya misses out because of a niggle. This injury has ruled him out of the crucial final, leaving a big void given his all-round abilities and experience against Pakistan. Rinku Singh has replaced him in the playing XI. The injury was more serious than initially thought, and it disrupted India's team balance both in batting and bowling departments.