Washington Sundar ruled out of third ODI at Lord's after hamstring injury in Cardiff

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the third and final ODI at Lord's due to a hamstring injury sustained during the second match, with the medical team deeming him unfit for the series decider on Sunday, July 19.

The all-rounder had been in exceptional form, producing an unbeaten half-century alongside Axar Patel to secure a stunning chase in the opening match at Edgbaston. India had held a 1-0 lead after that victory, but England won by four wickets in the second ODI at Cardiff to level the series at 1-1.

During the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Sundar's injury upended India's batting plans. Sundar felt a sharp pull in his hamstring while attempting a quick single off his very first deliveries. Despite attempting to continue with extensive strapping on his leg, Sundar's restricted mobility proved costly. He was unable to stay at the crease for long, getting out after scoring just two runs. He did not take the field in the second innings. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reflected on the incident during the post-match press conference.

"Personally, I felt that Washington's injury happened when he ran the first run towards mid-off. It looked like a hamstring injury, and it looks like a bad injury. Then, the next ball, he got out. From there, we again wanted a partnership, but unfortunately, we lost Axar and Shivam," Kotak said as quoted by Pro Kerala.

How does Sundar's absence impact India's bowling balance?

Sundar's injury forces head coach Gautam Gambhir to fundamentally alter India's tactical balance. In his absence, Shivam Dube bowled six overs and took one wicket for 32 runs. With Nitish Kumar Reddy still yet to recover, India will face England in the Lord's finale with a significantly depleted squad and limited all-round options.

What's next for India ahead of the series decider?

The medical staff is currently monitoring Sundar's recovery timeline to determine if he will require formal rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy back in Bengaluru. With the series locked at 1-1, India must regroup swiftly. The third match at Lord's on Sunday, July 19, will determine the series winner.