The Indian cricket team faces a significant setback ahead of the third and final ODI against England, with star all-rounder Washington Sundar now ruled out of the decider. The injury occurred during the second encounter in Cardiff while he was batting, affecting his hamstring. Consequently, Sundar was unable to bowl or field during the second innings, forcing the team to manage their bowling attack with only five options. This addition to the injury list follows the earlier exits of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, leaving the team depleted before the final showdown.
Series tied at 1-1
The three-match series is currently locked at 1-1 after England secured a 4-wicket win in the second game, neutralizing India's initial 6-wicket victory. The stage is now set for a winner-take-all match at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on July 17. The absence of Sundar creates a strategic void, and the team management is weighing their options for the playing eleven, with Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh currently being considered as potential replacements.
How the injury unfolded
Sundar arrived at the crease in Cardiff following the dismissal of Virat Kohli. During the 33rd over of the innings, he strained his right hamstring while attempting a quick run. Although the team physio attended to him on the field and applied tape, Sundar returned to the crease only to be dismissed on the very next delivery by Saqib Mahmood. The extent of the injury became clear when he failed to take the field for the second innings, with Prince Yadav serving as a substitute fielder. The commentary panel confirmed that he would take no further part in the second match.
Shubman Gill addresses the setback
Speaking about the departure of the all-rounder, Shubman Gill stated, "Sundar is a very important player for our team." Gill highlighted that the mid-match injury disrupted their bowling rhythm, forcing the team to rely solely on their core bowlers throughout the remainder of the innings. While he noted that the impact on the overall result was manageable, he acknowledged that losing a player mid-game forces necessary tactical changes that can break the team's momentum during critical periods.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised to achieve a major milestone at Lord's, marking their 400th international match together. Furthermore, following the conclusion of this tour, the Indian side is scheduled to play a three-match series against the West Indies in September.
