India bowling coach Morne Morkel gave a major injury update on both Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the highly-important Asia Cup final against Pakistan. This comes after both the players sustained cramps during the Men in Blue's final Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Notably, Hardik walked off the field after tbowling the first over of the Sri Lankan innings. Though he did pick up the massive wicket of Kusal Perera for a duck, that would be the all-rounder's only over of the matrch as he was seen holding his left hamstring. He didn't return to the field for the rest of the match. On the other hand, Abhishek was seen cluthching his right thigh while running in the ninth over. He eventually walked off the field in the next over and didn't return for the remainder of the match as well.
Morkel revealed that both of them struggled with cramps during the Sri Lanka game and though Abhishek is doing fine, Hardik's condition will be properly assessed on Saturday.
"So both of them struggled with cramps during the game. Hardik, I know we'll see sort of tonight and tomorrow morning and we'll make a call on that. But both of them were just struggling with cramps during the game. Abhishek is fine," Morkel told reporters.
No more training sessions for India
Morkel further revealed that the Indian team will not be having any training sessions before the final against Pakistan so that the players are well-rested for the crucial match.
"The key for the boys is to rest. They're in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully they can get a good night's sleep," Morkel stated.
"There will be individual pool sessions for the guys organised. Then some massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle on Sunday. It's a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training," he added.
India and Pakistan to battle in the final
Meanwhile, it is the first time in Asia Cup's history that India and Pakistan are facing-off in the final. This will be the third time in the ongoing edition of the tournament that the two arch-rivals will be locking horns against each other. Though the Men in Blue emerged victorious in both of those matches, it remains to be seen if they will be able to do the same in the penultimate match on September 28.