Big Blow For India as Star Player Ruled Out of Third England ODI
Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Third ODI Against England With Injury
India have suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final One-Day International against England, with all-rounder Washington Sundar reportedly ruled out of the series decider due to injury. The final match of the three-game series will be played at Lord's on Sunday, with both teams entering the contest level at 1-1. Sundar's absence is expected to weaken India's balance as the visitors look to clinch the series against the hosts.
According to a report by IANS, Sundar sustained a hamstring injury during India's six-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The injury occurred while he completed his first run during his brief innings. Television visuals showed the all-rounder receiving treatment from the team physio, who strapped his right thigh before play resumed. Sundar was dismissed for just two runs from five deliveries and appeared to be struggling while leaving the field.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later confirmed that the injury appeared to be serious. Speaking after the match, Kotak said Sundar felt discomfort while completing a run to mid-off and suggested that the hamstring issue looked significant. The coaching staff will now have to finalise a replacement for the all-rounder ahead of the decisive encounter at Lord's as India seeks to regain the advantage in the series.
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England levelled the series after securing a four-wicket victory in the second ODI, successfully chasing India's total of 233. Joe Root anchored the innings with an unbeaten 99, narrowly missing a century after Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary. Earlier, India were rescued by half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer after the top order failed to capitalise on promising starts. England completed the chase in 44.1 overs to set up a winner-takes-all finale.
The defeat also intensified scrutiny over senior opener Rohit Sharma, who managed 26 runs after scoring 11 in the opening ODI. His recent struggles have sparked speculation regarding his future in the 50-over format, although there has been no official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the selection committee about any decision concerning his ODI career. The final match at Lord's is expected to attract significant attention amid the ongoing discussions.
With the series evenly poised, India will now have to overcome both the absence of Sundar and the pressure of a series decider against an England side buoyed by its comeback victory. The Lord's contest presents an opportunity for Shubman Gill's team to secure a series win, while England will look to build on the momentum gained from Root's match-winning performance and claim the trophy on home soil.
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