India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided clarity on the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma after both players left the field during the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Hardik struck early in the first over, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck, but soon after was seen clutching his left hamstring and walked off the field. He did not return for the remainder of the innings.
Abhishek, meanwhile, showed discomfort while running in the ninth over and left the field in the 10th, holding his right thigh. Both players were later treated with ice and pickle juice to ease cramps.
Speaking after India’s Super Over victory, Morkel stressed that both players had been struggling primarily with cramps rather than more serious injuries.
“So both of them struggled with cramps during the game. Hardik, I know, we’ll see tonight and tomorrow morning and we’ll make a call on that. Abhishek is fine,” he told reporters at the Dubai International Stadium.
India will face Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, but Morkel confirmed that the team will not train on Saturday to prioritise recovery.
“The key for the boys is to rest. They’re already in ice baths, and recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. There will be individual pool sessions and massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle,” he explained.
India’s clash with Sri Lanka went deep into the night due to the Super Over finish, leaving little turnaround time before Sunday’s final.
