In a significant blow to Team India, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the ongoing three-match T20I series against Afghanistan due to a fresh injury, according to Dainik Jagran .
The announcement comes just a day after the series opener in which Chakaravarthy played, raising renewed questions about player fitness management at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The 35-year-old had only recently returned to the national squad after a stint at the CoE to recover from a previous injury that saw him miss India’s tour of Zimbabwe. Chakaravarthy, born on August 29, 1991, made an impactful return in the first T20I on September 13, delivering economical figures of 1/16 in India’s seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, his participation was cut short as he succumbed to another injury setback.
Series Overview and Schedule
The T20I series, designated as Afghanistan’s home series and being played in India due to security concerns, is a crucial preparatory ground for both teams, especially for India, who are defending champions at the upcoming Asian Games 2026. All three matches are being held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I (Played) | September 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 2nd T20I | September 15, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 3rd T20I | September 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
Team Lineups and Recent Form
India, captained by Shreyas Iyer and with Tilak Varma as vice-captain, are the reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions from 2026. Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, will be looking to showcase their talent against a top-tier team.
Chakaravarthy’s latest injury is a particular concern, especially as he was identified as a key spinner for India, having been part of the 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad. This recurring fitness issue brings into focus the rehabilitation protocols at the BCCI’s high-performance center, with sources questioning the effectiveness of the training provided. The team management will now need to quickly reassess their spin options for the remaining matches and potentially for the upcoming Asian Games. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as India looks to maintain its winning momentum against a competitive Afghanistan side.