Hardik Pandya is not playing today because he has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan due to a niggle, specifically a quadricep injury. He picked up the injury during India's Super Four match against Sri Lanka, where he bowled the opening over but had to leave the field and did not return. His absence was confirmed by India captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss, and Rinku Singh has been named as his replacement in the playing XI.