Vipraj Nigam Replaces Varun Chakaravarthy After His Injury Blow

Leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam of the Delhi Capitals has been selected to replace Varun Chakravarthy in India’s cricket team for the Asian Games in 2026. A day after Chakravarthy suffered a side strain during India’s first Twenty20 International against Afghanistan in Delhi on September 15, 2026, the move was confirmed on September 16, 2026.

In that encounter, Chakravarthy bowled four overs and recorded statistics of 1/16 before feeling uneasy in the third over. India won the match by a margin of seven wickets. He was then taken to Bengaluru to see the medical staff from the Center of Excellence for scans, and as a result, he would not be able to compete in the Asian Games.

Nigam was able to take over after Kuldeep Yadav, who had also been included in the Asian Games roster as a backup, was selected for India’s forthcoming ODI series against the West Indies. The cricket competition is set to start in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 28, 2026.

In 2026, how significant are Chakravarthy’s injury worries?

Chakravarthy has experienced several fitness setbacks this year. During India’s July 2026 tour of England, he had a Grade 2 hamstring injury that prevented him from playing competitive cricket for a considerable amount of time. He returned to action through the Tamil Nadu Premier League after completing his recovery at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Chakravarthy was added to India’s T20I team for the Afghanistan series when he recovered to full fitness. His participation has now been cut short once more due to the side strain he developed in Delhi, meaning he will not be able to compete before the Asian Games even start. The spinner has suffered two injuries in a few months, which raises concerns about how he can manage his workload ahead of a hectic international schedule.

How will India’s spin options at the Asian Games be affected by Nigam’s call-up?

Nigam’s addition gives the team, which also includes Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, another wrist-spin option. One of India’s most seasoned T20 spinners, Chakravarthy, is directly replaced by him in this call-up, which offers the Delhi Capitals bowler a significant chance to compete internationally.

Shreyas Iyer is captain of India’s Asian Games team, while Tilak Varma is vice-captain. Nigam’s arrival guaranties that the wrist-spin department is adequately covered for the event in Aichi-Nagoya. The team has a potent batting lineup and a diverse bowling assault. Nigam was the obvious pick to fill the void caused by Chakravarthy’s injury as Kuldeep Yadav was unable to play because of his ODI obligations.

India’s whole team for the 2026 Asian Games