Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Decisive Lord's ODI, Kuldeep Yadav in Line for Recall

London, July 17: India have suffered a setback ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the second match in Cardiff.

Washington picked up the injury while running his first single during India's innings at Sophia Gardens. Despite receiving treatment and having his thigh heavily strapped, he was dismissed for 2 off 5 balls and left the field in visible discomfort. He did not return to take part in England's chase.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed after the match that the injury appeared serious enough to rule the all-rounder out of Sunday's finale at Lord's.

Washington has become an important member of India's white-ball setup, offering valuable balance with both bat and ball. He played a match-winning role in the opening ODI by scoring an unbeaten half-century, sealing the victory with a six as India took an early lead in the series.

His absence creates a selection dilemma for the visitors. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the leading candidate to replace Washington, particularly if India opt to maintain their spin-bowling strength.

Kuldeep has featured only once in India's last 13 international matches across formats following a difficult IPL 2026 campaign, despite being one of the country's most successful ODI bowlers with 194 wickets in 121 matches.

India also face uncertainty over their team balance. KL Rahul, who missed the second ODI because of illness, could return to the XI, while Ishan Kishan impressed as his replacement. With fellow all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy already unavailable through injury, India do not have a direct like-for-like replacement for Washington in the squad.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently backed Kuldeep to receive greater opportunities, describing the left-arm wrist-spinner as a proven match-winner and an important asset ahead of future ICC tournaments.

The three-match ODI series is currently level at 1-1, with the winner of Sunday's contest at Lord's set to claim the series.

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