IND vs AFG: Why Will Varun Chakaravarthy Not Play In The Second T20I?

IND vs AFG: Ahead of the second T20I against Afghanistan, Indian leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the competition. The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner complained of a side strain after Sunday night's game, and the team management has decided to release him without any further delay. He will fly to Bengaluru to meet the CoE medical team over the next 24-48 hours. Based on his injury rehabilitation, his participation in the upcoming Asian Games will be decided.

Chakaravarthy was drafted in the playing 11 for the first T20I, returning to cricketing action after an injury layoff of nearly two months during which he was undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). According to a report by Cricbuzz, the CoE managers will take him for scans before giving any confirmation.

However, with less than a week before the Indian team departs for the Asian Games after the end of the bilateral series against Afghanistan, the time looks too short for the Indian spinner.

Varun Chakaravarthy delivered an impressive spell on Sunday at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, completing his four overs with excellent control. The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner conceded just 16 runs while picking up a wicket, maintaining a miserly economy rate of 4.00.

The spinner's return to action comes after an injury setback earlier this year. Chakaravarthy was forced to leave India's T20I tour of England in July after suffering a hamstring issue and subsequently sat out the Zimbabwe assignment. He then underwent an extended rehabilitation period at the Centre of Excellence before being cleared to resume competitive cricket. Following his recovery, the selectors included him in India's squads for the Afghanistan series and the Asian Games.

Chakaravarthy appeared to have come through the game without any concerns and, while addressing the media afterwards, acknowledged that injuries are an unavoidable aspect of a sportsperson's career. "Look, injuries are very common for all sportspeople, and it just shows that we are working; 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," he said.

India will be playing their second T20I against Afghanistan today at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.