Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has expressed worry about Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of the final in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Yograj said that the Indian all-rounder may have injured his knee during the four-wicket win over Australia in the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai.
Yograj Singh Raises Concerns Over Hardik Pandya’s Fitness
Hardik Pandya played a key role in India’s successful chase of 264 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. He came in at No. 7 when India needed 40 runs from 42 balls. The all-rounder changed the game in India’s favor by hitting two sixes off left-arm spinner Adam Zampa in the 47th over.
Yograj Singh mentioned that Hardik Pandya twisted his knee during the semifinal against Australia but kept playing despite the pain. Speaking to ANI, Yograj emphasized that cricket is a religion in India and urged fans to support players, especially during challenging times.
“Cricket is a religion in our country. When these players, who give their blood and sweat for us, when they fall, pick them up, when they feel sad, console them, when they cannot walk, then lift them on your shoulders,” Yograj told ANI.
“Hardik’s knee was twisted. But he scored some sixes and stood for his country. People should learn from this. He did get himself a runner. People should be positive, irrespective of win or loss. If you keep talking down on a player, he goes down forever,” he added.
Read More
Hardik Pandya scored 28 runs off 24 balls, hitting three sixes and one four. He was out in the 48th over, but KL Rahul finished the game with a six. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, chased down the target with 11 balls to spare and reached the final for the third time in a row in the Champions Trophy.
Pandya showed no signs of injury during the match. The BCCI has not given any official update on his fitness, and head coach Gautam Gambhir did not mention it in his post-match press conference. Hardik Pandya is expected to play in the final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
Yograj Singh’s Thoughts on Virat Kohli’s Knock and Missed Century
Yograj Singh praised Virat Kohli for his key knock of 84 but was disappointed that he didn’t score a second century in the tournament. He mentioned that Kohli is a proven match-winner and should have finished the game.
“Virat is a match-winner. But I feel sad because that shot was unnecessary. He should have finished the match. He is like a son to me. He could have done a century and had India lost, it would have been wasted,” Yograj said.
“He changed the game today. I would like to say this to people who criticise Virat, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, that they should stop, become your child’s support so that we keep make progress.”
ALSO READ: Steve Smith Retires From ODIs Following ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Defeat
