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New Delhi : India have suffered a significant blow ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Harsh Dubey has been named as Sundar’s replacement for the final match at Lord’s, where the winner will take home the three-match ODI series.
Sundar picked up the injury during the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff while running between the wickets. The all-rounder looked in visible discomfort during his brief stay at the crease, with television footage showing the Indian team physio attending to him and strapping his right thigh. He managed just two runs before walking back to the pavilion, and concerns over the severity of the injury grew after the match.
In its official update, the BCCI said Sundar will undergo scans and consult a specialist to assess the extent of the hamstring injury and determine the next course of treatment. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also indicated after India’s defeat in Cardiff that the injury appeared serious, revealing that Sundar felt discomfort almost immediately while taking his first run.
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the tour, with the ODI series locked at 1-1 after England bounced back in the second match to cancel out India’s victory in the opener. Sundar had played a pivotal role in India’s first-win, scoring a composed unbeaten half-century during the successful run chase, making his absence for the decider all the more significant.
In response, the selectors have called up young all-rounder Harsh Dubey, who now has an opportunity to make his mark on one of cricket’s biggest stages. All eyes will be on whether the team management hands the youngster an immediate debut in a high-pressure encounter at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Sundar’s injury has also reignited the debate over India’s playing combination, particularly the exclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently argued that while all-rounders provide batting depth, Kuldeep remains one of India’s most potent wicket-taking options in the 50-over format and should feature regularly as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With the series finely poised and a trophy on the line, India will now have to reshuffle their plans as they prepare for a must-win clash against England, hoping to overcome Sundar’s absence and finish the tour on a winning note.
