India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan in the national capital after suffering a side strain.
The 35-year-old mystery spinner is understood to have picked up the injury after playing in India’s seven-wicket victory in the opening match of the series on Sunday. Varun delivered an economical spell in that contest, finishing with figures of one wicket for 16 runs from his four overs.
“Varun has suffered an injury. He will play no further part in the series,” a source told Sportstar on Monday.
The latest setback also creates uncertainty over Varun’s availability for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. With the multi-sport event scheduled to begin soon after the Afghanistan series, it remains unclear whether the injury will keep him out of that competition as well.
Varun’s latest problem adds to a difficult year in which injuries have repeatedly interrupted his playing schedule.
Earlier, the Tamil Nadu spinner suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot during the Indian Premier League. He later sustained a hamstring injury while with the Indian team for its T20 series against England in the United Kingdom.
That injury forced him to return home before the completion of the England series. Varun subsequently missed India’s three-match series against Zimbabwe as he continued his recovery.
His latest injury came without any obvious warning immediately after Sunday’s match. Varun attended the post-match press conference following India’s win and gave no indication that he had suffered another physical setback.
During that interaction, he was asked about dealing with injuries and the mindset required while spending time away from competitive action.
“Injuries are common for sportspersons. It just shows that 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, work better and come back stronger,” Varun said.
Just a day later, confirmation emerged that the spinner would not feature again in the Afghanistan series.
India will now have to complete the final two T20Is without Varun, while attention will also turn towards the extent of his side strain and whether he can recover in time for the Asian Games in Japan.
