India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining T20 internationals against Afghanistan after an MRI scan confirmed a fresh side strain.
The 35-year-old sustained the injury following Sunday’s seven-wicket victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he claimed one wicket for 16 runs. The fixture highlighted the neutral venue realities for Afghanistan’s designated home series.
Asian Games Participation In Doubt
“It is a fresh injury. MRI has revealed that it is a side strain. He is out of the series and looks unlikely for Asian Games,” a BCCI source told India Today.
Chakaravarthy had only just returned from a two-month rehabilitation programme for a hamstring issue sustained in July. His absence leaves Ravi Bishnoi as the primary wrist-spinner for Tuesday’s second match, while the tourists recently moved to address a death-bowling void in their own bowling attack. All-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar provide further spin cover for India.
Rehabilitation Protocols Face Scrutiny
The rapid recurrence of fitness issues brings the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence back under pressure. Fast bowler Harshit Rana was previously withdrawn from the Asian Games squad after sustaining a rectus femoris strain during a match simulation at the facility on 7 September.
India face Afghanistan in the second T20 international in New Delhi on Tuesday.
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