Injury Blow for India as Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out of Afghanistan T20I Series

Varun Chakaravarthy has suffered another injury and will miss the rest of India's three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, several media outlets reported on Monday.

The spinner had only just returned to international cricket after spending two months recovering and completing his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He featured in the opening T20I against Afghanistan but picked up a fresh injury after the game.

According to reports, Chakaravarthy felt a strain in his side following Sunday's match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The issue has now forced him out of the series.

India's team management has released the 35-year-old from the squad so he can return to Bengaluru for further checks. He is expected to meet the CoE medical team on Wednesday.

His condition will be assessed before India makes a decision on his participation in the upcoming Asian Games. The cricket competition at the event is scheduled to run from September 17 to October 3.

For the unversed, Chakaravarthy played the entire first T20I against Afghanistan and completed his four-over spell. He finished with figures of 1/16 and helped India secure a comfortable seven-wicket win with his tight bowling.

The 35-year-old showed no clear signs of discomfort after the match. He also discussed injuries and said they are a normal part of sports, especially when players are pushing themselves hard.

"Look, injuries are very common for all sportspeople and it just shows that we are working, we are giving our best. Sometimes we push beyond our limits and that is when the body gives in. So, that is when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger," said Varun Chakaravarthy after the match.

India have yet to announce a replacement for Chakaravarthy. For now, Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar are the two players in the squad who could take his place.

Bishnoi featured in all three T20Is on India's tour of Zimbabwe in July. He was also brought into the squad as Chakaravarthy's replacement for that series. The legspinner took three wickets while keeping his economy rate at 5.66.

Washington, meanwhile, could give India an extra option with the bat. However, the allrounder is also returning after recovering from a leg injury he suffered during the England tour.