Image Source: X
Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out: The Indian cricket team has suffered a major setback amidst the ongoing T20 International series against Afghanistan. Star mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the series due to an injury. In the first T20 match played on Sunday, Varun delivered an excellent performance, claiming one crucial wicket while conceding just 16 runs in his four-over spell.
However, he complained of an injury after the match concluded, prompting the medical team to advise him to rest. There is some relief for cricket fans, as the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully fit and back on the field by the upcoming Asian Games. The BCCI has not yet announced a replacement for him in the squad.
IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Who Will Replace Varun Chakaravarthy in the Playing XI?
Image Source: X
With Varun Chakaravarthy ruled out, the biggest question facing the Indian team management ahead of today's second T20 match is who should take his place in the playing XI. Two players have emerged as the primary contenders for this spot:
1. Ravi Bishnoi: The Ideal Like-for-Like Replacement
Image Source: X
Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is the strongest contender to replace Varun Chakaravarthy in the playing XI. Previously, when Varun was injured during the tour of Zimbabwe, Bishnoi was given a chance in the playing XI and claimed three wickets across three matches.
Bishnoi's bowling style makes him highly effective in the T20 format. He utilizes pace variations effectively, leaving batsmen with very little time to read the delivery and execute their shots. His lethal googly can prove to be a headache for any batsman. Although he doesn't bowl 'mystery spin' like Varun, he is equally effective at taking wickets and curbing the run rate.
2. Washington Sundar: Adds Batting Depth to the Lineup
Image Source: X
All-rounder Washington Sundar is also in the fray as an alternative to Varun. Sundar's inclusion would bolster India's lower-order batting, and he is also capable of bowling economical off-spin during the powerplay.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously expressed confidence in Sundar's versatility. If the team combination requires extra batting depth, Sundar could get a chance. However, Bishnoi appears to have the edge over Sundar when it comes to being a specialist wicket-taking spinner.
Also Read: Most T20I Runs for India Women in a Calendar Year: Shafali Moves to #2
India Predicted Playing 11 vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I
Following Varun Chakravarthy's injury, India's probable playing XI for the second T20I could look like this:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson(WK)
- Ishan Kishan(WK)
- Shreyas Iyer(C)
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar / Ravi Bishnoi (Replacing Varun Chakravarthy)
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
Also Read: IND vs AFG 2nd T20I Match Prediction, Fantasy Winning Team, Playing 11
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback