India fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya missed his spot from the playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. He was forced to miss the title decider because of a quadriceps injury that he got during India's third Super Four clash against Sri Lanka at the same venue.
Hardik on missing IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final
BCCI shared a video where Hardik admitted that he was gutted to miss out on the most important game of the continental tournament, lauding his teammates for their performance against the neighbouring nation.
"I was very gutted to miss out the most important game but at the same time, the way the boys played was outstanding. They showed a lot of character and at the same time, I think all these games are going to help us in the long run where we will be tested, we will be put under pressure but I think the way we showed how to hold our nerves was fantastic and I always enjoyed any role that I have been given" said Hardik Pandya on a Video shared by BCCI.
Hardik Pandya on bowling with new ball
Hardik, who was seen bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball, said that bowling is his number one priority and if he bowls batting is never a problem.
"This time, when I came here, I was handed over the new ball that I needed to bowl the ball and which I really enjoyed and at the same time, batting has always been whenever the team requires, I like to bat. My bowling has been my number one priority for a long time now. If Hardik Pandya bowls, batting is never a problem, and I think I treat myself as a pure fast bowler, and I think I have taken a lot of pride in that" Hardik also said.
Hardik Pandya's Asia Cup 2025 performance
Hardik featured in five matches of the Asia Cup 2025, where he opened bowling for India alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. The all-rounder picked up four wickets in the tournament. He batted in four innings, scoring 48 runs at a strike rate of 120.
India's Asia Cup 2025 campaign
Suryakumar Yadav-led India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating UAE, Pakistan and Oman in the Group Stage matches after the the Men in Blue defeated Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Super Four before again defeating Pakistan in the title decider.