New Delhi
Team India has suffered a major setback ahead of the second match of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Star spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been ruled out of the entire series due to injury. As a result, captain Shreyas Iyer now faces a key selection decision over who should replace him in the playing XI.
India defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I will be played on September 15 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Varun Impressed in the First Match
Varun Chakravarthy bowled his full quota of four overs in the first T20I against Afghanistan. He conceded just 16 runs and picked up one wicket, keeping the Afghan batters under pressure throughout his spell.
Varun experienced discomfort after the match and was ruled out of the remainder of the series following medical assessment. Reports suggest that this is a new injury, which has also raised concerns over his availability for the upcoming Asian Games.
Ravi Bishnoi Could Be the First Choice
Ravi Bishnoi appears to be the strongest candidate to replace Varun. India already have the specialist leg-spinner in the squad.
Bishnoi can trouble batters with his quick leg-spin and googly. With Varun unavailable, the team management could bring him directly into the playing XI.
Based on the likely team combination, Bishnoi is currently expected to take Varun’s place.
Washington Sundar Is Also a Strong Option
The second option is Washington Sundar. He provides off-spin bowling as well as useful batting ability in the lower order.
If the team management wants additional batting depth and another all-round option, Sundar could be given an opportunity. However, if India prefer a specialist spinner as a direct replacement for Varun, Bishnoi appears to have the stronger case.
Is the Real Battle Between Bishnoi and Sundar?
With Varun ruled out, India still have several spin options available. Axar Patel is already part of the team, while Bishnoi and Sundar are also available for selection.
The key question for captain Shreyas Iyer and the team management will therefore be whether they want a specialist spinner similar to Varun or an all-round option that strengthens the batting.
Considering the current conditions and team balance, Ravi Bishnoi is being viewed as the direct replacement for Varun, while Washington Sundar could provide an alternative tactical option. The final decision, however, will be known only at the toss.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for the Second T20I
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi.
This is a predicted playing XI, and the final team will be confirmed at the toss.
India Eye Series Victory
India produced a dominant performance in the first T20I, securing a seven-wicket victory. Abhishek Sharma smashed an explosive 82-run innings, while Arshdeep Singh played a key role with the ball by taking three wickets.
India will now look to seal the series with a 2-0 unassailable lead in the second T20I. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back and level the series.
