The India-Sri Lanka game went down to a Super Over, leaving players physically drained.
India's Super 4s clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 turned out to be one of the most thrilling contests of tournament, even though the fixture itself was inconsequential.
The game went down to a Super Over, leaving players physically drained and forcing the Suryakumar Yadav-led side to focus on recovery ahead of the title clash against Pakistan, scheduled just 36 hours later.
Several Indian players struggled with physical discomfort in the humid conditions of Dubai. In fact, the likes of Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma had to leave the field to manage their respective bodies.
Hardik left the field after bowling just one over, the first of Sri Lanka’s innings, while Abhishek fielded for 9.2 overs before leaving the playing arena.
Abhishek, who slammed 61 off 31 balls to set the tone for India’s massive 202/5 in the first innings, did not come out to bat during the Super Over, with the captain-deputy duo of Suryakumar and Shubman Gill walking out to finish the job.
In the post-match presser, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel shared update on Abhishek and Hardik’s fitness, saying that the left-handed opener seems to be doing fine while the all-rounder will be assessed on Saturday (September 27).
"Hardik, I know we'll assess sort of tonight and tomorrow morning and we'll make a call on that. Abhishek is fine. Both of them were just struggling with cramps," Morkel told reporters.
Morkel also confirmed that Indian players will not train on Saturday, even though the final against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for Sunday (September 28).
"The key for the boys is to rest," Morkel said of India's preparation for the marquee final. "They're already all in the ice baths and the recovery sort of started straight away after the game. And the best way to recover is sleep and to stay off your feet. So hopefully they can all get a good night's sleep tonight.
"When they wake up tomorrow, I'm pretty sure there will be a pool session, an individual pool session for the guys organized. And then from there, it's just getting a flush from the masseuses, getting massages, and getting themselves mentally ready for a big battle on Sunday.
"Like I said, it's a quick turnaround, so playing this smart is going to be key. But there will certainly be no training."