15 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan after suffering a fresh side strain, just after returning to international cricket following a two-month rehabilitation spell.
The 35-year-old spinner has been asked to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for further medical assessment, with his availability for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan now uncertain.
Fresh Injury After Comeback
Chakaravarthy returned to India’s T20I side in the series opener against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13.
He bowled his full four-over spell and finished with impressive figures of 1/16, helping India secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory. He did not appear to be in discomfort during or immediately after the match.
However, he subsequently complained of discomfort in his side. An MRI scan confirmed a side strain, leading the team management to release him from the squad.
Return to Centre of Excellence
Chakaravarthy had only recently completed rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after suffering a hamstring injury during India’s England tour in July.
He spent around two months recovering before clearing his fitness assessment and earning a return to the national team for the Afghanistan series. The latest setback has therefore come as a significant blow.
He is expected to return to Bengaluru for further scans and assessment by the CoE medical team before a decision is made on his next assignment.
Asian Games Participation Now Uncertain
The fresh injury has also put Chakaravarthy’s participation in the 2026 Asian Games in doubt.
India’s team is scheduled to leave for Japan on September 18, while the cricket competition at the Asian Games begins later in the month. With limited time available for recovery and assessment, his selection will depend on the medical team’s evaluation.
Another Fitness Concern for India
Chakaravarthy’s latest injury adds to a series of fitness concerns surrounding India’s white-ball squad.
The spinner had already missed matches after his hamstring problem in England. Other Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar, have also recently dealt with injuries or rehabilitation.
The recurring setbacks have also brought renewed attention to the injury-management and fitness-assessment processes at the Centre of Excellence.
Strong Start Against Afghanistan
Despite the setback, Chakaravarthy’s performance in the opening T20I was encouraging.
He conceded only 16 runs in four overs and took one wicket, producing one of the most economical spells of his career. His disciplined bowling helped India restrict Afghanistan before the hosts completed a seven-wicket victory.
His absence means India will need to consider other spin options for the remaining matches of the series.
Ravi Bishnoi Among Possible Options
With Chakaravarthy unavailable, India have alternatives such as Ravi Bishnoi, while Washington Sundar and Axar Patel can also contribute with spin.
The team will have to balance bowling combinations as it prepares for the remaining Afghanistan matches and the Asian Games.
No Immediate Decision on Asian Games
For now, Chakaravarthy’s Asian Games status remains undecided.
The medical assessment at the CoE will determine the seriousness of the side strain and establish a recovery timeline. Only after those tests will the Indian team management be able to assess whether he can recover in time for the tournament.
A Frustrating Setback
The timing makes the injury particularly frustrating for Chakaravarthy, who had worked through a lengthy rehabilitation programme to return to international cricket.
After making an immediate impact against Afghanistan, another injury has once again interrupted his progress and created uncertainty over his availability for India’s next major assignment.