London: India suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of Sunday’s series-decider at Lord’s due to a hamstring injury.
Washington suffered the injury while scoring his first run during the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday. He required treatment on his thigh during the innings and did not return to the field for England’s chase after the dismissal.
The 25-year-old managed just two runs off five balls in India’s defeat at the Sophia Gardens.
Indian batting coach Chidanshu Kotak confirmed the nature of the injury after the match.
“Washington’s injury happened when he ran his first run to mid-off. His hamstring, it looks like a bad injury, he got out on the next ball,” Kotak said.
After initially being considered a fringe player behind Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Washington has emerged as an integral member of the Indian team across all formats.
He played a match-winning role in the opening ODI against England, hitting a match-winning six to complete his half-century and help India take an early lead in the three-match series.
With the series currently tied at 1-1, India face a selection dilemma ahead of the decisive clash.
Washington’s absence leaves India without an all-round replacement, especially with fellow all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya already sidelined by injury.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is one of the leading candidates to replace Washington if India decide they need an extra bowling option.
However, Kuldeep has only featured in one of India’s last 13 matches across formats following a tough IPL 2026 campaign.
Alternatively, if India are confident of managing without Washington’s bowling, they could recall KL Rahul after he missed the second ODI due to illness.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, who replaced Rahul in Cardiff, may also retain his place, giving India a chance to field both players in the playing XI for the Lord’s decider.