Hardik Pandya is not playing because he has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan due to an injury. Specifically, he suffered a muscle cramp or a quadricep/hamstring niggle during India's Super Four match against Sri Lanka. He bowled the opening over in that match, took a wicket, but then had to leave the field and did not return. Despite hopes for recovery, he was confirmed by India captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss not to play in the final due to this niggle. Rinku Singh has replaced him in the playing XI for this match. Pandya's absence is a significant blow to India as he is a key all-rounder, contributing both with the ball and as a hard-hitting finisher with the bat.