Hardik Pandya is not playing in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan due to a quadricep injury he picked up during India's Super Four match against Sri Lanka. He bowled the opening over in that match but then walked off the field and did not participate further. The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, confirmed that Hardik missed the final due to this niggle. In his absence, Rinku Singh has been included in the playing XI. The injury was initially described as cramps during the game, but it turned out to be more serious, ruling him out of the crucial final match.