New Delhi, September 15: India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan after reporting discomfort from a side strain, dealing a fresh blow to the team’s preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.
Chakaravarthy is set to return to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further evaluation. His availability for the Asian Games will depend on the outcome of the medical assessment and his recovery.
The injury comes just days after the spinner returned to the Indian team following rehabilitation from a hamstring problem. His latest setback has interrupted a comeback that had begun on a positive note.
Injury reported after opening T20I
Chakaravarthy played in India’s opening T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13. He delivered an economical spell of four overs for 16 runs and claimed one wicket as India registered a seven-wicket victory.
However, he reported discomfort after the match. The team’s medical staff subsequently assessed the spinner, leading to the decision to rule him out of the remainder of the three-match series.
The side strain will now be monitored at the Centre of Excellence, where Chakaravarthy is expected to undergo further checks. The assessment will help determine the severity of the injury and the rehabilitation required before he can return to competitive cricket.
Asian Games availability uncertain
The timing of the injury has raised concerns over Chakaravarthy’s participation in the Asian Games in Japan. The Indian contingent is scheduled to depart on September 18, leaving a limited window for the medical team to assess his fitness.
Chakaravarthy’s inclusion in the Asian Games squad will depend on the results of the additional evaluation. At present, his participation cannot be confirmed.
The spinner had recently completed rehabilitation from a Grade 2 left hamstring injury sustained during the England T20I series. He underwent fitness testing at the Centre of Excellence before being cleared to return to international action.
His latest injury therefore comes at an unfortunate stage, with India preparing for another important multi-sport assignment.
India face a bowling adjustment
Chakaravarthy’s absence means India will have to alter their bowling combination for the final two matches against Afghanistan. The spinner has become an important part of the team’s T20I attack, particularly because of his variations, control and ability to challenge batters in the middle overs.
India still have several spin-bowling options available, including Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, allowing the team management to consider different combinations. The final decision will depend on the conditions and the balance the side wants to maintain.
No replacement has been announced for Chakaravarthy for the remainder of the Afghanistan series. The team will instead work with the available squad as it seeks to complete the assignment on a strong note.
Comeback interrupted
Chakaravarthy’s return against Afghanistan had offered encouragement after his recent spell on the sidelines. His disciplined performance in the opening match demonstrated the value he can bring to India’s bowling unit when fit and confident.
The side strain, however, means he must now begin another period of medical monitoring. For the player and the team, the immediate priority will be a full assessment rather than an accelerated return.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 after their win in New Delhi. The second T20I is scheduled for September 15, with the final match to be played on September 17.
As India continue the series without one of their key spinners, attention will remain on Chakaravarthy’s recovery and whether he can regain fitness in time for the Asian Games. The outcome of his assessment at the Centre of Excellence is expected to provide greater clarity on his short-term playing prospects.