India`s bowling coach Morne Morkel downplays fitness issues for key players ahead of the Asia Cup final, emphasizing recovery.
India`s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has addressed and minimized concerns regarding the fitness of key players Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma as the team prepares for the Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai. Both players were noticeably absent from the field for significant portions of Sri Lanka`s second innings, sparking questions about their availability.
Hardik Pandya`s Condition
Hardik Pandya had to leave the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka, during which he impressively took the wicket of Kusal Mendis for a first-ball duck. He was seen clutching his left hamstring and did not return to play for the rest of the innings. Morkel confirmed that Hardik experienced cramps and would undergo assessment before a final decision is made on his availability for the crucial final match. This statement echoed remarks made earlier by India`s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, post-match.
Abhishek Sharma`s Condition
Similarly, Abhishek Sharma spent the entire latter half of Sri Lanka`s innings off the field. He appeared to be struggling with his right thigh in the ninth over and eventually departed the field in the tenth. Like Hardik, Abhishek received treatment for cramps, including ice and pickle juice, to aid his recovery. Several substitute fielders, including Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma, stepped in during their absence. Even Tilak Varma briefly left the field but quickly returned after a hydration break, indicating the physical demands of the game.
Recovery Strategy for the Final
Given the extended duration of the Sri Lanka match, which stretched way beyond its scheduled close due to a thrilling Super Over finish, India faces a very tight turnaround before Sunday`s final. Morkel emphasized the critical need for rest and recovery for all players, stating unequivocally that no training sessions would be held on Saturday. He outlined a comprehensive recovery plan involving immediate ice baths, ample sleep, individual pool sessions, and massages to ensure both mental and physical readiness for the crucial match against Pakistan. “Playing smart is going to be the key,” Morkel added, highlighting the importance of strategic recovery.
Support for Bowlers Arshdeep and Harshit
Morkel also discussed the pressure on bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, particularly when called upon to deliver at critical junctures of the competition. On Friday against Sri Lanka, the pair returned combined figures of 2 for 100 from eight overs during India`s defense of a target of 202. Despite these figures, Arshdeep`s composed performance in the Super Over ultimately secured a vital victory. Morkel stressed the team`s philosophy of avoiding an “excuse culture,” expecting players to deliver based on their diligent efforts in training. While acknowledging that a lack of game time can sometimes be a factor, he reiterated confidence in their innate abilities, labeling them “X-factor players and real match winners,” even when individual performances are not ideal, as long as the team continues to win.
