New Delhi, Sept 15:
India suffered another injury setback ahead of the second T20I against Afghanistan as spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the remainder of the three-match series after sustaining a fresh side strain. The injury has also put his participation in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan in serious doubt.
Chakaravarthy had only recently returned to international cricket after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during India’s tour of England in July. He made an impressive comeback in the series opener against Afghanistan in New Delhi on Sunday, taking one wicket for just 16 runs in his four overs as India registered a convincing seven-wicket victory.
However, an MRI scan following the match revealed a side strain. A BCCI source said the injury was fresh and confirmed that Chakaravarthy would take no further part in the Afghanistan series. He has been advised to return to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for further medical assessment.
The setback has come at an unfortunate time, with India scheduled to begin its Asian Games campaign later this month. Chakaravarthy’s availability for the multi-sport event will depend on the outcome of his medical evaluation. India have already had to make changes to their Asian Games plans after pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out because of injury, with Yash Thakur named as his replacement.
Chakaravarthy’s latest injury is also likely to renew scrutiny of India’s injury-management programme at the Centre of Excellence. The spinner had undergone rehabilitation there before returning to action, only to suffer another setback after a single international appearance. India face Afghanistan in the second T20I in New Delhi on Tuesday, with Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar among the options available to cover the spin department.