Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out of Remaining Afghanistan T20Is with Side Strain

India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan after scans confirmed a side strain. The injury is also likely to put his participation in doubt for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

Chakaravarthy, 35, suffered the injury during India’s seven-wicket win in the series opener on Sunday, returning 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,” a source familiar with the matter told IANS, a leading news agency.

The spinner had only recently returned to the Indian team after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour. He subsequently missed the T20I series in Zimbabwe. Earlier, he suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot during IPL 2026 while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders.

India lead the three-match series 1-0. Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya and uncapped Vipraj Nigam are among the available spin options.