Varun Chakaravarthy ruled out of Afghanistan T20Is with side strain
Synopsis
Varun Chakaravarthy's comeback was cut short again — scans have confirmed a side strain that ends his series against Afghanistan and threatens his Asian Games participation. It is the third significant injury in a matter of months for the 35-year-old wrist-spinner, raising questions about his physical durability at the highest level.
Key Takeaways
Varun Chakaravarthy , 35 , has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan with a confirmed side strain .
The injury was sustained during India's seven-wicket win in the first T20I, where he bowled a 1 for 16 spell.
His availability for the Asian Games in Japan is now in doubt.
This follows a hamstring injury on the England tour that caused him to miss the Zimbabwe T20I series in July , and a hairline foot fracture during IPL 2026 .
India's remaining spin options are Kuldeep Yadav , Krunal Pandya , and uncapped Vipraj Nigam , with Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed in rehab.
India lead the series 1-0 , with the second T20I on Tuesday and the final match on Thursday .
India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan, scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, after scans confirmed a side strain sustained during the series opener. The injury also casts a shadow over his availability for the Asian Games in Japan.
How the Injury Occurred
The 35-year-old wrist-spinner picked up the strain during India's seven-wicket victory in the first T20I on Sunday, despite delivering a controlled spell of 1 for 16 in his four overs. Notably, Chakaravarthy showed no visible signs of discomfort during the post-match press conference that evening.
'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 on Monday.
A Familiar Pattern of Setbacks
This latest injury is the third significant physical setback for Chakaravarthy in quick succession. He had suffered a hamstring injury on the tour of England, which forced him to miss the T20I tour of Zimbabwe in July, and subsequently spent time in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Prior to that, he sustained a hairline fracture in his left foot during IPL 2026 while representing the Kolkata Knight Riders. This series against Afghanistan had marked his comeback to the Indian squad.
Chakaravarthy on Injuries and Pushing Limits
Speaking after the first T20I — before the extent of the strain was known — Chakaravarthy reflected philosophically on the toll that elite cricket takes on the body. '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 said.
India's Spin Options Going Forward
With India leading the three-match series 1-0, the second T20I is scheduled for Tuesday and the final match on Thursday. The team's remaining spin resources include Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, and uncapped Vipraj Nigam. Meanwhile, Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed are both undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE for their respective injuries, further thinning India's spinning depth.
The timeline for Chakaravarthy's return to competitive cricket will become clearer once team management determines when he is required to report back to the CoE for assessment and recovery.
Point of View
With Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed both in rehab simultaneously. If the Asian Games squad is also affected, the selectors will face hard questions about how a player fresh from two back-to-back injuries was returned to international cricket without adequate buffer time.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Varun Chakaravarthy been ruled out of the Afghanistan T20I series?
Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out after scans confirmed he picked up a side strain during the first T20I against Afghanistan on Sunday. The injury ends his participation in the remaining two matches of the series.
Will Chakaravarthy play in the Asian Games?
His participation in the Asian Games in Japan is currently in doubt following the side strain. The timeline for his return will become clearer once team management decides when he should report to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
What other injuries has Chakaravarthy suffered recently?
Chakaravarthy suffered a hamstring injury on the England tour that forced him to miss the T20I series in Zimbabwe in July 2026, and before that, a hairline fracture in his left foot during IPL 2026 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Who will replace Chakaravarthy in India's spin attack against Afghanistan?
India's available spin options for the remaining two T20Is are Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, and uncapped Vipraj Nigam. Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed are both in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence.
What is the current series status between India and Afghanistan?
India lead the three-match T20I series 1-0 after a seven-wicket win in the opener. The second T20I is scheduled for Tuesday and the third and final match for Thursday, both at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
