Hardik Pandya To Miss Out On Asia Cup 2025? Participation Depends On THIS Assessment: Report

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With the Asia Cup 2025 set to begin in the UAE from September 9 to 28, the Indian cricket team could face a major fitness concern surrounding star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

According to reports, the 31-year-old will undergo a two-day fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru on August 11 and 12. The outcome of this evaluation will determine whether Pandya is cleared to participate in the high-profile tournament or not.

Pandya has been an integral part of India's white-ball success over the years, playing key roles in the T20 World Cup 2024 and in the Champions Trophy 2025 victory. Since mid-July, he has been engaged in intensive training sessions in Mumbai, aiming to regain peak fitness and form in time for the Asia Cup. The Indian team management is hopeful that the all-rounder will be fit enough to contribute fully when the action begins.

This development comes after Shreyas Iyer successfully completed his own fitness test between July 27 and 29. Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final and guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third title in 2024, has not featured in a T20I since December 2023. His inclusion in the Asia Cup squad will depend on the selectors' final call later this month.

Meanwhile, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is also spending time at the NCA to work on his conditioning. The Mumbai Indians batter had a stellar IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs and winning the 'Most Valuable Player' award. With Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is, Suryakumar has led India in 22 matches, securing 17 victories.

There is also speculation about a leadership shuffle ahead of the Asia Cup. While earlier reports hinted that Pandya could serve as vice-captain, a RevSportz update suggests that Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, is the frontrunner for the role instead of Pandya or current deputy Axar Patel.

For now, all eyes will be on Pandya's assessment in Bengaluru. A clean bill of health would not only boost India's chances in the Asia Cup but also reaffirm his position as one of the team's most valuable assets heading into an intense international calendar.