India has been dealt a major blow ahead of the third ODI between the two teams at Lord’s, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of the fixture after he picked up a hamstring injury in the second match at Cardiff.

The injury is a massive blow for Gambhir’s men, who are set to face the decisive third match at Lord’s, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The injury to Sundar has not only dented India’s lower order but has also left them struggling to find the right balance in a squad that has already been ravaged by injuries.

Washington Sundar’s Injury Derails India’s Plans

Washington Sundar had batted sensibly in India’s successful chase at Edgbaston, scoring an unbeaten half-century in a stand of 69 with Axar Patel, helping India post a competitive total and register an important win.

But he was not so lucky in the second OD at Sophia Gardens. The all-rounder had injured his hamstring while trying to take a single early in his innings.

Although he was back in the field after some treatment and heavy binding on the affected leg, Sundar could not bat freely and was soon out for a duck. The problem was serious enough to stop him from playing in the following chase.

Speaking after the match, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was pessimistic about the situation.
“I think Washington’s injury was when he was running the first run to mid-off. I think it was a hamstring injury. It seems a fairly serious injury. Then the next over, he got out. From there, we wanted to rebuild the innings, but unfortunately, we also lost Axar and Shivam,” said Kotak.

India’s Balance Problem

With Washington Sundar’s participation in the game in jeopardy, India’s management will have to make difficult decisions regarding the team for the upcoming series-deciding match.
The all-rounder has been India’s most valuable player in limited-overs formats, and his presence on the park always gives the team more balance, making it easier for the opening batsmen to set the tempo.

With Sundar out of the equation, Gambhir will have to make difficult choices about the team composition, including the balance between bowlers and all-rounders.

Shivam Dube shouldered extra bowling duties in Cardiff, recording 1/32 from six overs, but he is not as reliable in the middle as Sundar.

India’s options are further limited by Nitish Kumar Reddy’s injury as they head into one of the most critical matches of the series.

With the series tied 1-1, the onus is on the backup spinners to step in as Sundar’s replacement.

The medical staff is keeping a close watch on the all-rounder’s injury to determine if he needs to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for rehab.

In the meantime, the focus turns to Lord’s, where the action resumes on Sunday in the third ODI. It will take a performance to the finish if India is to win in England’s backyard, and without the services of one of their key all-rounders, it is proving extremely challenging for the Virat Kohli-led side.