Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Varun Chakravarthy Out of Asian Games, Vipraj Nigam Replaces Him
Varun Chakravarthy will not play for India at the Asian Games because of a side injury.
He felt discomfort during the first T20I against Afghanistan.
Doctors and officials expect him to miss some time, but his exact return date is unknown.
Vipraj Nigam has been chosen to take his place.
Nigam is a young bowler who can also bat well.
He plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
He has taken 13 wickets in 19 IPL matches and scores quickly.
The Asian Games start on September 19 in Japan, and India’s cricket matches begin on September 24.
Varun Chakravarthy has been ruled out of India’s Asian Games squad with a side strain.
Young leg-spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam has been selected as his replacement.
Chakravarthy suffered discomfort during the opening T20I against Afghanistan and is out indefinitely.
Nigam represents Delhi Capitals and has taken 13 wickets in 19 IPL matches, with a career strike rate of around 176.
The Asian Games begin September 19, while men’s cricket starts September 24 with India entering in the quarterfinal stage.
- Who
- Varun Chakravarthy was replaced by Vipraj Nigam in India’s Asian Games squad.
- What
- Chakravarthy was ruled out with a side strain, while Nigam received the call-up.
- When
- The report was published September 16; the Asian Games begin September 19 and men’s cricket begins September 24.
- Where
- The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- Chakravarthy reported discomfort after the opening Afghanistan T20I and was sent for further assessment.
- Replacement
- Vipraj Nigam replaces Varun Chakravarthy.
- Chakravarthy’s injury
- He has a side strain and is expected to be sidelined indefinitely.
- Nigam’s IPL record
- 13 wickets in 19 matches for Delhi Capitals.
- Nigam’s batting
- His IPL career strike rate is around 176.
- Asian Games
- The Games begin September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Cricket schedule
- The men’s competition begins September 24, with India entering at the quarterfinal stage.
- Other selection option
- Kuldeep Yadav was considered, but is scheduled to play the West Indies ODIs later this month.
