Chakaravarthy ruled out of Afghanistan T20Is, doubtful for Asian Games

India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining T20 International matches against Afghanistan due to a side strain, an injury that casts serious doubt on his participation in the upcoming Asian Games. The setback occurred shortly after his return from a previous hamstring injury, raising fresh questions about the rehabilitation processes at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Centre of Excellence. A BCCI source confirmed that an MRI revealed the side strain, ruling Chakaravarthy out of the second and third T20Is against Afghanistan, scheduled for September 15 and 17. The injury makes him highly doubtful for the Asian Games, which begin on September 19 in Japan. India is also set to play a historic T20 against Japan on September 22 before their Asian Games campaign starts on September 28. Chakaravarthy had bowled four overs for figures of 1-16 in India's seven-wicket victory in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13. He attended the post-match press conference and made no mention of any discomfort. The injury was reportedly identified later. The latest setback adds to a challenging year for the spinner.