India have suffered another injury setback ahead of the remainder of the Afghanistan T20I series, with spinner Varun Chakravarthy ruled out after suffering a fresh side strain. The setback has also put his participation in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in doubt and renewed scrutiny around the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
According to a PTI report, a BCCI source said an MRI scan confirmed the fresh side strain. Varun has now been ruled out of the remaining Afghanistan T20Is, while his Asian Games availability will depend on further medical assessment.
Varun Chakravarthy Ruled Out After Afghanistan T20I
Varun featured in India's opening T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi on September 13. India won the match by seven wickets, with the spinner delivering a disciplined four-over spell of 1/16.
However, he reported discomfort after the match and was subsequently assessed by the medical team. The MRI revealed the new side strain, bringing his participation in the rest of the series to an end.
No replacement for Varun had been announced at the time of the latest reports.
Asian Games Participation Now in Doubt
Varun's latest injury comes at a particularly important time, with India's Asian Games campaign approaching.
The Indian squad is scheduled to travel to Japan later this month, and Varun's selection will depend on the results of his medical evaluation and recovery. A BCCI source indicated that he now looks unlikely to feature at the Asian Games, although a final decision will follow further assessment.
Varun Had Only Just Returned From Injury
The latest setback is particularly concerning because Varun had only recently completed his rehabilitation from another injury.
He had suffered a Grade-2 left hamstring injury during India's T20I series against England in July. The injury ruled him out of subsequent matches and led to a rehabilitation programme at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
After completing his recovery and clearing a fitness assessment, Varun returned to India's squad for the Afghanistan series. He played the opening match before suffering the latest side strain.
Harshit Rana's Injury Adds to CoE Concerns
Varun's setback has also brought renewed attention to the Centre of Excellence because fast bowler Harshit Rana recently suffered an injury during his rehabilitation programme.
Rana was ruled out of both the Afghanistan T20I series and the Asian Games after suffering a fresh injury during a fitness or match-simulation session at the CoE. Yash Thakur was subsequently named as his replacement.
With two players suffering fresh setbacks around their rehabilitation and fitness assessments, questions have once again emerged about injury management at the Bengaluru facility.
VVS Laxman Defends the Centre of Excellence
Former India batter VVS Laxman, who has been associated with the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has previously pushed back against the idea that every player setback should automatically be attributed to the facility.
Laxman has stressed that cricketers are not machines and that recovery timelines can vary significantly from one player to another. He has also explained that players are monitored throughout their rehabilitation, with workloads increased progressively according to their recovery and fitness levels.
The fitness process involves medical and fitness reports being shared with the relevant selection and coaching personnel before players are cleared to return.
What Happens Next for Varun Chakravarthy?
For now, Varun's immediate priority will be recovery from the fresh side strain.
His absence is a blow to India's spin options for the remaining Afghanistan T20Is, particularly after he delivered an economical spell in the series opener.
More importantly, the injury has created uncertainty over his availability for the Asian Games 2026. The final decision is expected to depend on his medical assessment and recovery progress.
Varun's latest setback therefore represents more than just an injury blow for India's T20I campaign. It has also renewed the debate surrounding player rehabilitation, fitness clearances and injury management at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.
Varun Chakravarthy Injury: Key Points
Injury: Fresh side strain
Status: Ruled out of remaining Afghanistan T20Is
MRI: Confirmed the side strain, according to a BCCI source cited by PTI
First Afghanistan T20I: 1/16 in four overs
Previous injury: Grade-2 left hamstring injury
Rehabilitation: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
Asian Games: Participation now doubtful
Replacement: No replacement announced in the latest reports
Varun's latest injury comes just after his return to international cricket and leaves India waiting for another medical update before his Asian Games prospects can be determined.
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