Washington Sundar Injured Mid-Match; India Left One Bowler Short vs England

Washington Sundar Injured Mid-Match vs England [Source: AFP]

In a concerning development, all-rounder Washington Sundar picked up a hamstring injury during the second ODI between India and England held at Cardiff. His injury left India paralysed as they set out to defend 234 runs in the second innings.

The match began with India getting bowled out for 233 runs in the first innings. Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) showed resistance with a 67-run partnership while the lower order couldn’t contribute much.

But in the second innings, the Indian side suffered a huge blow as they were one bowler short.

Washington Sundar leaves the field with a hamstring niggle

During the first innings, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar appeared to suffer a right hamstring injury while attempting a run. He was seen receiving treatment on the field, with his right hamstring being heavily strapped after seemingly pulling up while setting off for a run. 

Although he resumed batting after medical attention, the discomfort was evident. The injury has now had a direct impact on India's bowling plans, with Washington unable to take the field during England's innings. 

Arshdeep Singh was sent to the field as his substitute, while Prince Yadav had earlier replaced him on the field. Since Washington Sundar is unavailable to bowl, India are effectively one bowler short.

This means that Shivam Dube may have to complete his full quota of overs to make up for the absence of the off-spinning all-rounder. His condition will be closely monitored ahead of the remainder of the match and the upcoming fixtures. 

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Washington Sundar’s form in this series

Interestingly, Washington Sundar had been playing well in the series. In the first ODI, he scored 52* off 63 balls while India were chasing 259 runs at Edgbaston.

He knitted a 102-run match-winning partnership with Axar Patel to help India win by 6 wickets. However, just when he was returning to form, a hamstring injury spoiled the party.

The Indian medical team is yet to release an update on Washington Sundar. His fitness is likely to be tracked in the upcoming days. For now, it remains unclear if Sundar will be fit to play the third and final ODI of the series scheduled on July 19 at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Who will replace Sundar?

Having said that, just in case Washington Sundar fails to recover in time for the third ODI, India have enough replacements waiting on the bench to grab an opportunity. 

For starters, the men in blue could include a specialist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav, as they already have two all-rounders in Axar Patel and Shivam Dube.

Another option is to increase the batting depth by including KL Rahul. But this would cost India an extra bowling option. India can also try playing an extra seamer in either Arshdeep Singh or Prince Yadav since the Lord’s pitch tends to favour fast bowlers.

Overall, the visitors have options to fill Sundar’s shoes in case the all-rounder becomes unavailable. However, the priority will be to ensure Washington Sundar recovers as soon as possible.

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