Varun Chakravarthy Exits Afghanistan T20I Series Due to Injury

Injury Sidelines Varun Chakravarthy

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been ruled out for the remainder of the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an injury, according to reports. He played a pivotal role in India's first T20I victory over Afghanistan, where he delivered an impressive performance, taking 1 wicket for just 16 runs in four overs, including a stunning delivery that bowled out Darwish Rasooli.

Unfortunately, his participation in the series has come to an end due to this injury. Varun had recently returned to action during the England series in July after spending considerable time in rehabilitation for a foot injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This injury raises concerns about injury management in Bengaluru, as several Indian players have faced similar issues recently.

A Year of Injury Struggles

This year has been particularly challenging for the Indian spinner, who has dealt with a hairline fracture in his foot and a hand injury during the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 season. He participated in only 11 matches, claiming 11 wickets with an average of 32.72 and an economy rate of 8.78, achieving best bowling figures of 3 for 14.

In 16 T20I matches this year, Varun has taken 20 wickets at an average of 24.15 and an economy rate of 8.94, with his best figures being 3 for 7. His performance included a successful T20 World Cup campaign, where he was one of the joint-highest wicket-takers alongside pacer Jasprit Bumrah, each taking 14 wickets, despite a noticeable decline in his economy rate and wicket count from the Super Eights to the finals.

He missed India's tour to Ireland, where the team suffered a surprising 0-2 defeat, as he was still undergoing rehabilitation. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi replaced him during this period. Varun made his comeback in the England T20Is, where he took a wicket in both matches he played.

Recap of the First T20I Match

In the first T20I match, India chose to bowl first, and Afghanistan scored 156 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, thanks to a resilient 64 not out from Azmatullah Omarzai. Arshdeep Singh was outstanding with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. During India's chase, Abhishek Sharma scored a remarkable 82 runs off just 32 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42 runs off 33 balls, including five fours and a six. The duo's impressive 121-run partnership for the second wicket led India to complete the chase in just 13.4 overs.