Shubman Gill-led India have suffered a massive setback ahead of the third and final ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out due to injury. According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Sundar will miss the series decider at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19, after hurting his hamstring during the second ODI in Cardiff.
Sundar injured himself while batting in the second ODI while at Sophia Gardens on Thursday. He faced only five balls before calling for medical attention after appearing to struggle with his movement.
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India were hoping Sundar would build a useful partnership with Shreyas Iyer after Virat Kohli was dismissed in the 32nd over. However, the injury made it difficult for him to move freely at the crease.
Sensing the opportunity, England pacer Saqib Mahmood bowled a sharp short ball that took Sundar’s glove before wicketkeeper Jos Buttler completed the catch.
Who can replace Washington Sundar?
With Sundar unavailable for the final match, spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to return to the playing XI for the first time in the series. Several former cricketers and experts have backed his inclusion, believing his wrist spin could make a difference even in English conditions.
Kuldeep Yadav's ODI career
Kuldeep Yadav has played 121 ODIs, in which he picked up 194 wickets. The Kanpur-born spinner's last ODI outing came against Afghanistan on June 17 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, where he remained wicketless, conceding 42 runs in a 10-over quota.
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How Washington Sundar perform in the England ODI series?
After struggling in the T20Is, Sundar played a crucial role along with Axar Patel as India defeated England by six wickets in the first ODI against England. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer played an unbeaten match-winning 52-run knock in the series opener. In the recently concluded second ODI, he managed to score two runs. India lost that match by four wickets.
The third ODI between India and England is scheduled to take place on July 17 at the iconic Lord's Stadium in London.