Injured Washington Sundar Ruled Out, Harsh Dubey Named As Replacement in India's Squad for IND vs ENG 3rd ODI 2026
India's star all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the crucial 3rd ODI against England on July 19, 2026, at Lord's due to a hamstring injury. Rising domestic sensation Harsh Dubey, a left-arm orthodox spinner and effective left-handed batter from Vidarbha, has been named as his replacement for the highly anticipated series decider.
The Indian cricket team faces a crucial selection dilemma as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been officially ruled out of the third and final ODI against England due to a hamstring injury. The setback comes just a day before the series decider, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. Team management has confirmed that promising left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter, Harsh Dubey, will step into the squad as Sundar's replacement. London Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs England 3rd ODI 2026.
Sundar, 26, sustained the hamstring strain during India's six-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16. He reportedly picked up the injury while completing a run in the 33rd over of India's innings. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and having his right thigh heavily strapped, Sundar was dismissed on the very next delivery and did not take the field during England's chase, leaving India a bowler short.
The all-rounder had been a vital contributor for India in the series, notably scoring a match-winning unbeaten 52 in the first ODI at Edgbaston, which helped secure India's six-wicket victory and a 1-0 lead in the series. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly given India's search for balance in their white-ball squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Harsh Dubey Steps In
The call-up for Harsh Dubey marks a significant moment in the young cricketer's burgeoning career. Born on July 23, 2002, the 23-year-old all-rounder (turning 24 next week) has quickly made a name for himself in domestic circuits and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dubey, a slow left-arm orthodox spinner and a left-handed batter, plays for Vidarbha in domestic cricket and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Rohit Sharma Likely to Retire After India vs England 3rd ODI at Lord’s: Report.
His impressive performances include being named Player of the Tournament in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, where he famously claimed 69 wickets, the highest ever in a single season, and scored 476 runs. Dubey made his One Day International debut for India on June 13, 2026, against Afghanistan and has since picked up 4 wickets in 2 ODIs, alongside 13 wickets and 13 runs in 12 IPL matches.
Selectors will be hoping Dubey's all-round abilities can provide the much-needed balance to the squad for this high-stakes encounter, where the series stands level at 1-1 after England's dominant performance in the second ODI following India's win in the opener. Rohit Sharma Retirement Rumours Quashed: BCCI Confirms Lord's ODI Won't Be His Last Match.
Match Details
The India vs England ODI series also serves as a crucial preparatory ground for both teams eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup, adding further significance to this decisive encounter.
India's team management will now be finalizing their playing XI, considering Dubey's inclusion and the strategic implications of Sundar's absence as they aim to clinch the series against a formidable English side.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 05:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
