New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan after suffering a side strain during the series opener, with the injury also raising doubts over his availability for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Chakaravarthy, 35, sustained the injury during India’s seven-wicket win in the first T20I on Sunday, where he returned figures of 1/16 from four overs.
“Yes, Varun is ruled out of the series against Afghanistan. Scans have confirmed that he’s picked up a side strain. It remains to be seen when he’s asked to report to the CoE,” a source familiar with the matter said.
The spinner had only recently returned to the Indian side after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the tour of England. He underwent rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and subsequently missed India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe in July.
Chakaravarthy had also suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot during IPL 2026 while representing Kolkata Knight Riders.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after Sunday’s victory, Chakaravarthy discussed the physical demands of modern cricket and the impact of repeated rehabilitation, without indicating that he had suffered another injury.
“Injuries are very common for all sportspeople, and it just shows that we are working, and we are giving our best. Sometimes, we push beyond our limits, and that’s when the body gives in. So, that’s when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger,” he had said.
India lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20I scheduled for Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and the final match on Thursday.
Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya and uncapped spinner Vipraj Nigam are the other spin-bowling options in the squad. Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed, meanwhile, are undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE for their respective injuries.
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