India have suffered a major injury setback ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of Sunday’s clash at Lord’s due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old sustained the injury during India’s four-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, leaving the visitors with another selection headache before the must-win encounter.
Sundar picked up the injury while completing a run in the 33rd over of India’s innings. He immediately appeared in discomfort and received on-field treatment from team physio Kamlesh Jain, who strapped his right thigh. Despite the pain, Sundar chose to continue batting but was dismissed on the very next delivery, edging a short ball from Saqib Mahmood to England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for just two runs.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar Mourn Garry Sobers With Heartfelt Tributes to Cricket Legend
The all-rounder did not take the field during England’s successful chase of 234, with Arshdeep Singh coming in as a substitute fielder. According to an IANS report, Sundar’s hamstring strain will require a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation, effectively ruling him out of the third and final ODI. With the three-match series locked at 1-1, his absence comes as a significant blow to India’s balance.
Washington Sundar out of the last ODI at Lord’s and could be out for some time. Let’s hope he gets fit before the SL Tests. #Cricket
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) July 16, 2026
Sundar had made a valuable contribution in the series opener, scoring an unbeaten 52 to help India secure a convincing victory. His injury further adds to India’s growing list of unavailable all-rounders, with Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy already sidelined due to fitness concerns.
Confirming the extent of the injury after the Cardiff defeat, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed that Sundar felt discomfort while running his first single and suggested that the hamstring issue looked serious enough to keep him out.
WATCH – Garry Sobers And The Unforgettable 6 Sixes Record That Made History
Sundar’s absence could pave the way for Kuldeep Yadav to return to the playing XI. The left-arm wrist-spinner has featured in just one of India’s last 13 international matches despite an impressive ODI record of 194 wickets in 121 games. If the team management opts against including Kuldeep, India could instead strengthen the batting by fielding both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, provided Rahul has fully recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the second ODI in Cardiff.
