India’s ongoing ODI tour of England has hit a major roadblock with all-rounder Washington Sundar emerging as a serious injury concern. The spin-bowling all-rounder was unable to take the field for the second innings of the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, leaving a massive void in India's bowling plans.
Sundar picks up hamstring injury during IND vs ENG 2nd ODI
The trouble began during the 33rd over of India's innings. Walking out to bat at number six following Virat Kohli's dismissal, Washington appeared to pull his right hamstring while sprinting to complete a run. After a prompt assessment by the team physio, he opted to continue batting with heavy strapping applied to his right thigh. However, his grit was short-lived, as he edged a Saqib Mahmood short ball straight to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on the very next delivery.
ALSO READ: Big Breaking: Rohit Sharma to announce ODI retirement, likely to play last match here
The severity of the injury became clear during England's chase when Washington failed to return to the field, with substitute fielder Prince Yadav taking his place. The commentary team later confirmed that the all-rounder had been officially ruled out for the rest of the match. His absence is a severe blow to India's prospects as they attempt to defend a modest target of 233 without one of their primary spin options.
With the third and final ODI at Lord’s scheduled for July 19, Washington's sudden injury throws his participation for the series decider into serious doubt. While the BCCI has yet to release an official medical update, the quick turnaround time leaves the team management sweating over his fitness.
The hamstring injury comes at an incredibly frustrating time for Sundar, who had been enjoying an impressive run of form in the series. During the first ODI at Edgbaston, he played a crucial, unbeaten knock of 52 runs from 63 deliveries to anchor India's successful chase of 259. His magnificent 102-run partnership with Axar Patel was the cornerstone of India's six-wicket victory, making this sudden physical setback a tough pill to swallow just as he was cementing his place in the side.
The Indian camp is currently playing a waiting game, with the medical team yet to release an official update on his condition. Over the coming days, his recovery will be monitored closely to determine if he can recover in time for the high-stakes series finale at Lord’s on July 19.
ALSO READ: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia handed key ICC role, first decision grabs attention
Who will replace Sundar if he ends up missing out on 3rd ODI at Lord's?
Should Washington be ruled out of the decider, India is well-stocked with replacement options to fill the void. The team management could choose to bring in premier specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to lead the slow-bowling department, especially since the lineup already features reliable all-rounders in Axar Patel and Shivam Dube.
Alternatively, the selectors might look to bolster the batting lineup by drafting in the experienced KL Rahul, though this approach would leave India a bowler short. Given that the iconic Lord’s pitch historically offers assistance to fast bowlers, India could also pivot toward a pace-heavy attack by calling up either Arshdeep Singh or Prince Yadav to exploit the conditions.