Washington Sundar’s Injury Forces India to Adjust Squad for Final ODI Against England

India have suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out due to injury. The crucial match at Lord’s will decide the outcome of the three-match series, with both matches in the series so far ending in decisive victories for their respective winners.

The series remains evenly balanced. India launched their campaign with a dominant performance at Edgbaston, restricting England to 258 before chasing down the target with six wickets in hand. Captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a composed knock as India reached 262/4 in 45.2 overs. England, however, rebounded in the second ODI at Cardiff, bowling India out for 233 before successfully chasing the total in 44.1 overs, largely thanks to Joe Root’s unbeaten 99. With the series level at 1-1, attention now turns to Lord’s for the decisive clash.

Why Washington Sundar Has Been Ruled Out of the 3rd ODI

Washington sustained a right hamstring injury while batting in the second ODI in Cardiff. Though he managed a brief five-ball stay, visible discomfort forced him to undergo heavy strapping. The injury significantly impaired his movement, with footage showing him struggling to ascend stairs post-innings. He was absent during England’s subsequent run chase. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed his exclusion from the Lord’s match, stating he will undergo scans and consult specialists to assess the injury. Washington’s absence is a blow to India’s balance, as he contributes both with bat and ball, particularly in English conditions through his off-spin.

Replacement Named for Washington Sundar

To address Washington’s unavailability, selectors have drafted in left-arm spinning all-rounder Harsh Dubey for the series-decider. Dubey made his ODI debut during India’s home series against Afghanistan, claiming 3/47 in Dharamsala and demonstrating composure under pressure. However, his inclusion in the final XI remains uncertain. India already rely on Axar Patel for a similar all-round role, with the veteran earning Player of the Match honors in the first ODI. Alternatively, captain Shubman Gill may opt for specialist wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has yet to feature in the England tour and could add tactical variety to the bowling lineup.

India’s squad for the third ODI (updated): Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, and Harsh Dubey.

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