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Washington Sundar will miss the final ODI at Lord’s after a hamstring strain sustained during the second match, with the team’s medical staff confirming his unavailability for Sunday’s series‑deciding fixture on July 19.
The all‑rounder had been in fine form, producing an unbeaten half‑century alongside Axar Patel to help India chase down the target at Edgbaston and take a 1‑0 lead. England, however, responded by winning the second ODI at Cardiff by four wickets, levelling the series at 1‑1.
During the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Sundar suffered a sudden hamstring pull while attempting a quick single on his first delivery. Despite trying to play on with extensive strapping, his movement was restricted and he was dismissed after scoring just two runs. He also did not take the field in the second innings. The team’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, commented on the incident in the post‑match press conference.
“Personally, I felt that Washington’s injury happened when he ran the first run towards mid-off. It looked like a hamstring injury, and it looks like a bad injury. Then, the next ball, he got out. From there, we again wanted a partnership, but unfortunately, we lost Axar and Shivam,” Kotak said as quoted by Pro Kerala.
What impact will Sundar’s withdrawal have on India’s bowling balance?
Without Sundar, head coach Gautam Gambhir must adjust India’s playing plan. All‑rounder Shivam Dube took on a bowling role, delivering six overs and claiming one wicket at an economy of 32 runs. Combined with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ongoing recovery, India enter the Lord’s finale with a reduced pool of all‑rounders and a tighter bowling balance.
What are India’s prospects for the decisive ODI at Lord’s?
Medical staff are monitoring Sundar’s rehab progress to decide whether he will need structured treatment at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. As the series stands level at 1‑1, India must regroup quickly for the decisive encounter at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19, which will decide the series.
