Hardik Pandya is not playing because he has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 final due to a niggle (injury) he sustained during the Super Four match against Sri Lanka. He suffered muscle cramps in his left hamstring after bowling the opening over in that game and was unable to continue. The injury was confirmed during the toss for the final, and he was replaced by Rinku Singh in the playing XI. His absence is a major blow to India as he plays a crucial role both as a bowler and a hard-hitting finisher for the team.