Washington Sundar Ruled Out of India vs England ODI Decider, Harsh Dubey Named Replacement
India have suffered a major setback ahead of the final ODI against England after Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Harsh Dubey has been drafted into the squad, while Rohit Sharma remains in focus ahead of the series decider.
July 19, 2026: Team India have suffered a major blow ahead of the series-deciding third ODI after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Left-arm spinning all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been named as his replacement and has already joined the Indian camp ahead of Sunday's final match.
Washington injured his right hamstring while batting in the second ODI in Cardiff. Despite spending only a short time at the crease, he was seen wearing a strap on his leg and looked uncomfortable while running between the wickets. After the innings, he struggled to climb the stairs while leaving the field and was unable to take part in England's chase.
The BCCI later confirmed that the 26-year-old will undergo a scan to assess the extent of the injury. His treatment and recovery plan will be decided after the scan reports are reviewed by specialist doctors.
🚨HARSH DUBEY REPLACES WASHINGTON SUNDAR IN INDIA SQUAD🇮🇳
Harsh Dubey has been named as Washington Sundar replacement in India squad for the 3rd ODI against England. 🔥
A big opportunity for the young all-rounder to make his mark on the international stage.#ENGvIND #HarshDubey pic.twitter.com/S6rlHohj5e
— Sports Nexus (@SportsNexusNews) July 18, 2026
Harsh Dubey in Line for Opportunity
Harsh Dubey, who replaces Washington in the squad, is also a spin-bowling all-rounder. The left-arm spinner made his international debut for India in the series against Afghanistan. He impressed in his first appearance by picking up three wickets for 47 runs in Dharamsala.
With Washington unavailable, Dubey could strengthen India's spin department, although Axar Patel already offers a similar all-round option. Axar was named Player of the Match in the first ODI after an impressive all-round performance. Even so, the team management may hand Dubey an opportunity in the series decider. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has not featured in the first two matches, is also likely to return to the playing XI.
Harsh Dubey replaces the injured Washington Sundar for the third and final ODI against England 🚨
👉 Washington, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, sustained a right hamstring injury while batting in the second ODI.
More details: https://t.co/rLHe0CojKf
📸:… pic.twitter.com/I51h8EcRE1
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 18, 2026
India won the opening ODI comfortably but suffered a defeat in the second game. After reducing England to five wickets down early, the Indian bowlers failed to finish the job. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99 and guided England to victory with a match-winning knock.
Attention will also be on former captain Rohit Sharma ahead of Sunday's clash. Reports have suggested that the third ODI could be his final international appearance. However, BCCI secretary Debjit Saikia dismissed those rumours, stating that Rohit will continue to represent India in international cricket.
