India suffered a major blow ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final as all-rounder Hardik Pandya missed the summit clash due to a niggle. Known for his clutch performances in big matches, India have huge shoes to fill in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

India made three changes to their playing XI as they brought in Rinku Singh in place of Pandya and also brought back fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah into the team. Apart from that, the management also included Shivam Dube in the team and dropped Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.

However, India’s team combination didn’t go down well with the fans, who criticised the management for going in with just one front line seamer in Jasprit Bumrah, with all-rounder Shivam Dube being the only other seam option.

Pandya had taken the new ball alongside Bumrah throughout the Asia Cup and his absence leaves a massive hole in the team combination. Moreover, his clutch performances with the bat would also be a major miss in the big final.

Asia Cup final: India vs Pakistan Updates

Deciding to go in with Rinku in place of Arshdeep, India gave precedence to reinforcing their batting in place of adding to bowling depth. Moreover, India’s death bowling has been a major concern in the tournament as teams have managed to add crucial runs to their final score.

It seemed as if Arshdeep’s death overs heroics against Sri Lanka would make him a sure starter in the final. However, the management’s decision of not going with the left-arm seamer drew fans’ ire. It remains to be seen if Rinku’s selection will prove to be right and help India clinch their ninth Asia Cup title.

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

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