Washington Sundar Ruled Out of ODI Series Decider Against England Due to Hamstring Injury

New Delhi, July 2026 : India have suffered a major setback ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s on Sunday, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the second ODI in Cardiff.

The 26-year-old picked up the injury while completing a run in the 33rd over of India’s innings during Thursday’s six-wicket defeat. Washington immediately appeared in discomfort and received on-field treatment from team physio Kamlesh Jain, who heavily strapped his right thigh before allowing him to continue.

However, the all-rounder’s stay at the crease was brief. On the very next delivery, he edged a short ball from England pacer Saqib Mahmood behind to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, departing for just two runs.

Washington’s injury also prevented him from taking the field during England’s successful chase, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh replacing him as a substitute fielder. England’s victory in Cardiff levelled the three-match ODI series at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all finale at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

According to sources, Washington has sustained a hamstring strain that will require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of Sunday’s decider. His absence is expected to force India into a significant reshuffle, with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerging as the leading candidate to replace him in the playing XI.

Washington’s injury comes at an unfortunate time for India, as he had been one of the standout performers in the series. In the opening ODI at Edgbaston, he played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 52, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball. His ability to balance the side leaves India without a direct like-for-like replacement.

The team’s options are already limited due to injuries to key seam-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, making Washington’s absence an even bigger concern.

Speaking after the Cardiff defeat, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed the nature of the injury.

“Washington’s injury happened when he ran his first run to mid-off. His hamstring, I think, looks like a bad injury, and the next ball he got out,” Kotak had said during the post-match press conference.

If Kuldeep is included, he will be looking to make the most of a rare opportunity. The wrist-spinner has featured in only one of India’s last 13 international matches across formats after enduring a difficult IPL 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals before moving to Lucknow Super Giants.

Despite his recent lack of opportunities, Kuldeep remains one of India’s most successful ODI bowlers, having claimed 194 wickets in 121 matches. However, his limited batting ability has often affected team selection.

Alternatively, if the team management opts for greater batting depth instead of an extra specialist spinner, both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul could feature in the playing XI, provided Rahul recovers fully from the illness that ruled him out of the second ODI.

With the series on the line, India now face a crucial selection dilemma as they prepare for Sunday’s high-stakes showdown at Lord’s.

Team Maverick.