Varun ruled out of T20 series against Afghanistan, Asian Games trip in doubt

India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was on Monday ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan after an MRI revealed a side strain, putting his participation in the upcoming Asian Games in serious doubt.

Chakaravarthy had only recently returned from a hamstring injury sustained during India's tour of England in July. He played in Sunday's series opener against Afghanistan, taking one wicket while conceding just 16 runs in his four overs as India secured a comfortable victory.

"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 PTI.

The fresh setback has also raised concerns over injury management at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, with several players having picked up injuries in recent months.

Chakaravarthy's latest injury leaves him highly doubtful for the Asian Games, which begin on September 19. India are also scheduled to play a historic T20 match against Japan in Tokyo on September 22 before starting their Asian Games campaign in Nisshin on September 28.

India had already been forced to make a change to their original Asian Games squad after pacer Harshit Rana failed to recover from his injury in time for the Afghanistan series and the continental event. Yash Thakur was subsequently named as his replacement.

Rana had been included in the squad subject to fitness.

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounders Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar have also recently returned from injury-related setbacks.

Chakaravarthy's absence will be a setback for India as they continue their three-match series against Afghanistan.

The second and third T20Is will be played here on Tuesday and Thursday.