Hardik Pandya is not playing today due to a niggle or injury he sustained during India's last Super Four game against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. He experienced a problem with his left hamstring and had to leave the field after bowling just one over, without returning to the match. This injury ruled him out of the final against Pakistan. India replaced him with Rinku Singh in the playing XI. The niggle prevented Hardik from participating in high-intensity drills or practice ahead of the final, leading to his absence for the crucial match.