India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been withdrawn from the remaining T20I matches against Afghanistan due to a fresh injury sustained after the series opener.
Key facts
- •Varun Chakaravarthy will miss the final two T20I matches against Afghanistan.
- •The spinner recorded 1-16 in four overs during India's seven-wicket win on September 13.
- •Chakaravarthy previously missed India's three-match series against Zimbabwe due to injury.
- •The player's availability for the Asian Games in Japan, starting September 19, is currently in doubt.
- •The BCCI Centre of Excellence is facing scrutiny due to the frequency of player injuries.
Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against Afghanistan following an injury sustained after the first match on Sunday, September 13, 2026. While India secured a seven-wicket victory in the opening game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the 35-year-old will not participate in the upcoming matches scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.
By the numbers
Injury Details and Series Impact
The exact nature of Chakaravarthy's injury remains subject to conflicting reports, with The Hindu citing a side strain while a BCCI source speaking to Times of India described it only as a fresh injury. Despite the setback, Chakaravarthy had performed effectively in the first T20I, recording figures of 4-0-16-1. He participated in the post-match press conference on Sunday without indicating any physical discomfort, discussing his general philosophy on managing sports-related injuries.
History of Fitness Challenges
Chakaravarthy has faced a series of physical setbacks throughout the year. His recent medical history includes a hairline fracture in his left foot sustained during the Indian Premier League and a hamstring injury that forced his early return from a tour in the United Kingdom in July. These recurring issues have led to increased scrutiny regarding the BCCI Centre of Excellence and its player management protocols. His current status for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, which begin on September 19, remains uncertain.
Timeline
- July 2026Chakaravarthy missed white-ball matches in England due to a hamstring injury.
- September 13, 2026Chakaravarthy played in the first T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- September 14, 2026BCCI sources confirmed the player was ruled out of the remainder of the series.
- September 19, 2026The Asian Games in Japan are scheduled to begin.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu Sport, Times of India Sports.
