The three-match ODI series is locked at 1-1, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday, July 19. India have been dealt a significant blow ahead of this crucial encounter, with star all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out due to injury.
Sundar’s Injury: A Major Setback for Team India
India’s campaign in the final ODI has suffered a major jolt as Washington Sundar has been officially ruled out of the series decider against England. The 26-year-old all-rounder sustained a right hamstring injury during the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, an injury that has now been deemed serious enough to keep him out of action for the crucial finale.
The incident occurred while Sundar was batting during India’s innings in Cardiff. He was seen receiving on-field treatment and appeared in visible discomfort before eventually walking off. Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak later described it as a “bad injury,” raising concerns about Sundar’s availability for the remainder of the tour. The Tamil Nadu cricketer will now undergo scans to determine the full extent of the damage and the recovery timeline.
Sundar’s absence is particularly significant given his excellent form in the series. He played a match-winning knock of an unbeaten half-century in India’s victory in the first ODI at Birmingham, showcasing his ability with both bat and ball. His off-spin bowling had also provided captain Shubman Gill with a valuable bowling option in the middle overs. Losing a player of his calibre on the eve of a series decider is a massive blow to India’s balance and strategy.
Harsh Dubey: The Replacement Rope
In response to Sundar’s injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acted swiftly by naming Harsh Dubey as his replacement for the third ODI. The 23-year-old left-arm spin bowling all-rounder has been drafted into the squad and is now in contention to make his mark on the biggest stage.
Dubey made his international debut against Afghanistan earlier in June and impressed immediately. In just two ODI appearances, he has already picked up four wickets, including a memorable three-wicket haul on debut. His left-arm orthodox spin offers a like-for-like replacement for Sundar in terms of bowling style, and his lower-order batting capabilities add depth to the lineup.
This is a golden opportunity for the young all-rounder to prove himself in a high-pressure environment. With the series on the line and the match being played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Dubey will be eager to seize the moment and justify the selectors’ faith in him. He joins a spin department that already features Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, giving India multiple options to exploit any turn on offer at Lord’s.
India’s Updated Squad and Possible Playing XI
With Sundar out, the Indian squad for the third ODI now stands as follows:
Captain: Shubman Gill | Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK)
All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav
India are expected to make at least two changes to their playing XI. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been waiting for his first game of the series, is likely to be included as the wrist-spin option on what is expected to be a surface that assists slow bowlers at Lord’s. Additionally, the return of KL Rahul could strengthen the middle order after Ishan Kishan’s failure in the second ODI.
A potential predicted XI for India could look like this: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar.
The Series Context: All to Play For at Lord’s
The three-match ODI series has been fiercely contested so far. India dominated the first match in Birmingham, securing a comprehensive victory, but England bounced back strongly in Cardiff, thanks largely to Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten 99 that guided the hosts to a series-levelling win. With the scoreline reading 1-1, Sunday’s clash at Lord’s is effectively the final.
Lord’s, often referred to as the “Home of Cricket,” provides the perfect backdrop for such a high-stakes encounter. The pitch at Lord’s traditionally offers something for both batters and bowlers, with spinners often coming into play as the match progresses. India will be hoping that their spin attack, now featuring Dubey and likely Kuldeep, can exploit these conditions better than their English counterparts.
Match: India vs England, 3rd ODI
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Time: 3:30 PM IST (Toss at 3:00 PM IST)
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
India’s journey to clinch the ODI series against England has hit a speed bump with Washington Sundar’s untimely injury. However, the inclusion of Harsh Dubey provides a fresh and exciting option for the team management. The young all-rounder has the chance to script a memorable debut at Lord’s, while the rest of the squad must rally together to overcome the setback.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill’s leadership and how India adapt their strategy without Sundar. With the series trophy on the line and the historic Lord’s crowd providing the atmosphere, cricket fans are in for a thrilling finale. Can India overcome the injury blow and lift the trophy, or will England capitalize on the home advantage? The answer awaits on Sunday.