India have been dealt an injury concern during the ongoing ODI series against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar picking up a suspected hamstring injury in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Sundar suffered the injury while batting and was unable to take the field during England’s chase. Since he could not bowl, India brought on Prince Yadav as a substitute fielder. The injury has also raised doubts over Sundar’s availability for the third and final ODI.
Injury happened while batting
Sundar walked in to bat in the 32nd over of India’s innings. Just an over later, he looked uncomfortable after playing a delivery from Saqib Mahmood and immediately called for the team physio.
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He received treatment on the field and was later seen with heavy strapping around his leg. However, the discomfort appeared to continue. On the very next ball, Sundar attempted a hook shot but only managed to edge it behind to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. He was dismissed for just two runs after facing five deliveries.
Sundar starred in the first ODI
The all-rounder had played a key role in India’s win in the series opener at Edgbaston. Batting under pressure, Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 and stitched together an unbroken 102-run stand with Axar Patel for the fifth wicket.
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Their partnership guided India to a successful chase of 259, with the visitors reaching the target in 45.2 overs.
Injuries have troubled Sundar throughout his career
Injuries have interrupted Sundar’s career on several occasions, with hamstring problems being a recurring issue. The exact extent of his latest injury is still unknown, and the BCCI has not yet released an official update on his condition.
After the England ODIs, India are scheduled to play a T20I series against Zimbabwe, although Sundar was not picked for that squad. He is, however, expected to be in contention for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. If the injury turns out to be serious, India’s selectors may have to consider other off-spin options.
India already dealing with multiple injury setbacks
India’s injury list has continued to grow during the England tour. Earlier in the T20I series, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy both suffered hamstring injuries and remain unavailable.
Before the tour even began, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy also missed out because of fitness concerns. Sundar’s latest setback has now added to India’s growing injury worries ahead of a busy international schedule.