India have suffered another injury setback ahead of a crucial period in their T20I calendar, with spinner Varun Chakaravarthy reportedly ruled out of the remaining Afghanistan T20Is. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Chakaravarthy has suffered a fresh side strain after recently returning to the Indian team following a hamstring injury sustained during the tour of England in July.
Chakaravarthy had made an encouraging return in the opening T20I against Afghanistan, picking up one wicket while conceding only 16 runs from his four overs. However, the spinner has now suffered another setback, with reports suggesting that the fresh injury could also affect his availability for the upcoming Asian Games.
The second and third T20Is against Afghanistan are scheduled to be played in Delhi on September 15 and 17. India will then face Japan in a one-off T20I on September 22 before beginning their Asian Games campaign later this month.
Varun Chakaravarthy suffers another injury setback
According to Cricbuzz, Chakaravarthy had only recently completed his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered on India’s tour of England. His return against Afghanistan appeared to mark a positive step in his comeback, but the latest side strain has once again raised concerns over his fitness.
The spinner had also got some game time ahead of the Afghanistan series when he featured for Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League in August. He played one match and finished with figures of 0/34. The latest reports suggest that Chakaravarthy is now highly doubtful for the Asian Games, which begin later this month. India are already dealing with several players returning from injury, making the latest setback another concern for the team management.
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Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar among replacement options
India have not yet named an official replacement for Chakaravarthy. However, reports say Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar are the two options already in the squad who could fill the vacancy. Bishnoi replaced Chakaravarthy during India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe in July and featured in all three matches. The leg-spinner picked up three wickets during the series while maintaining an economy rate of 5.66, making him a straightforward like-for-like option.
Washington, meanwhile, would add batting depth alongside his off-spin. However, he has also only recently returned to the squad after recovering from a leg injury. Axar Patel is another established spin option in the group after taking 1/27 in the opening T20I against Afghanistan.
Chakaravarthy’s reported setback adds to India’s recent fitness concerns. Harshit Rana was already ruled out of the Afghanistan series and Asian Games after failing to recover in time, with Yash Thakur brought in as his replacement. Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Reddy and Washington have also recently returned from injury.
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