After sending down the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings on Friday, striking by removing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, Pandya clutched his left hamstring and walked off the field.
Pandya did not return to take the field for the remainder of the innings and with less than two days remaining for the final, the Indian fanbase was expectedly concerned.
“Hardik had cramps; he will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning. We will then take a call on that,” Morkel told the media while speaking at the post-match press conference.
Morkel was echoing the views expressed earlier by India skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the post-match presentation.
Star India batter Abhishek Sharma sat out the entire second half of Sri Lanka’s innings as well. He first appeared in discomfort during the ninth over, clutching his right thigh while running.
Abhishek walked off in the 10th over, moments before Pathum Nissanka’s six was ruled a dead ball since he hadn’t exited the field before Varun Chakravarthy started his run-up.
Much like Pandya, Abhishek spent the remainder of the innings receiving ice treatment and pickle juice to relieve cramps.
India’s star batter Rinku Singh, along with Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma, filled in as substitute fielders at various stages. At one stage, Tilak Varma left the field as well, though he rejoined after a hydration break.
With the Sri Lanka clash running well past its scheduled finish because of the Super Over, India now face an even tighter turnaround before taking the field again on Sunday, September 28.
“The key for the boys is to rest. They’re in an ice bath already. The recovery started straight after the match. The best way to recover is to sleep and stay off your feet. Hopefully, they can get a good night’s sleep,” Morkel said.
“There will be individual pool sessions for the guys organised. Then some massages before they get mentally ready for the big battle on Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key,” Morkel added.
