Hardik Pandya is not playing in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan due to an injury. He sustained a hamstring (or quadricep) injury during India's last Super Four stage match against Sri Lanka. Pandya bowled only one over in that match before walking back to the dressing room and did not return to the game. He was unable to recover in time for the final, and India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Pandya missed out due to this niggle. Rinku Singh has been named as his replacement in the playing XI. This absence is a significant blow to India, given Pandya's important role in the team and his past performances against Pakistan.