Suryakumar Yadav reveals reason reason behind Hardik Pandya's absence from field during IND vs SL Asia Cup clash

Captain Suryakumar Yadav finally disclosed the reason reason behind Hardik Pandya's absence from field during India versus Sri Lanka's Asia Cup Super Four clash which went down to the Super Over at the Dubai International stadium. Hardik Pandya wasn't seen in the field after he bowled the first over which also cost India dearly. However India had the last laugh over Sri Lanka as they won the match in the Super Over thriller and entered the Asia Cup final on a confident note.

Why Hardik Pandya suddenly disappeared after bowling just one over during IND vs SL clash?

A major concern for the Indian camp emerged during the run-chase against Sri Lanka, particularly involving all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya bowled only the first over of the innings, conceding seven runs but successfully dismissing opener Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck. However, Captain Suryakumar Yadav did not bring the Mumbai Indians star back to bowl, and Pandya later left the field, with Rinku Singh taking his place as a substitute fielder. With the Asia Cup final against Pakistan scheduled for September 28th, the absence of a key player like Pandya due to a potential injury could force the Men in Blue to quickly strategize an alternative plan.

ALSO READ: Decoded: Why umpire adjudged Dasun Shanaka not-out despite being outside the crease in IND vs SL Asia Cup Super Over drama

The match itself was a nail-biter, primarily due to Pathum Nissanka's brilliant hundred, which pushed the game into the final over. It looked as though former captain Dasun Shanaka might guide Sri Lanka to a win, but his efforts instead only managed to tie the scores, forcing the tournament's first-ever Super Over. In the Super Over, India's Arshdeep Singh bowled brilliantly, restricting Sri Lanka to just two runs while picking up two wickets. The Men in Blue then needed only one ball to seal the victory, running three runs to maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament. Following the match, Captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the team's fatigue. He revealed at the post-match presentation that "some of the boys had a lot of cramps, including Hardik Pandya. Although he didn't name them, it appears he was referring to players like Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who was also seen struggling with cramps later in the game.