Vipraj Nigam Named Varun Chakaravarthy’s Replacement for Asian Games 2026

India have made a change to their squad for the 2026 Asian Games, with young leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam set to replace Varun Chakaravarthy following the latter's injury setback.

Chakaravarthy's availability for the Asian Games came under serious doubt after he suffered a side strain during India's opening T20I against Afghanistan in Delhi. CREX reported on September 16 that Nigam has been named as his replacement for the tournament.

Vipraj Nigam Gets Asian Games Call-Up

The inclusion gives Vipraj Nigam an opportunity to join India's senior T20 setup for a major multi-sport event. The young leg-spinner has been regarded as an emerging talent in India's domestic and franchise cricket structure.

His selection also provides India with another specialist spin option after Chakaravarthy's injury ruled out his participation in the Asian Games squad.

Varun Chakaravarthy Suffers Fresh Injury

Chakaravarthy had only recently returned to India's T20I setup after spending around two months recovering from a hamstring injury.

He made his comeback in the first T20I against Afghanistan and delivered an impressive four-over spell of 1/16. However, he experienced discomfort in his left lateral abdominal region while bowling his third over of that match. Scans subsequently confirmed a side strain.

Another Setback After His Comeback

The timing of the injury was particularly unfortunate for Chakaravarthy. He had completed rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and returned to international cricket only shortly before the latest setback.

His fitness was therefore expected to be assessed carefully before India made a final decision regarding his participation in the upcoming Japan assignment and Asian Games.

Chakaravarthy Ruled Out of Afghanistan T20Is

The spinner was ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan after the scans confirmed the side strain.

Ravi Bishnoi came into India's playing XI for the second T20I, while Washington Sundar and Axar Patel also provided additional spin options within the squad.

India Already Have Spin Options

India's Asian Games squad originally included Chakaravarthy alongside Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. The change therefore maintains considerable spin depth within the group.

Nigam's inclusion gives the selectors another specialist option while allowing India to retain variety in their bowling attack.

Why Nigam’s Selection Matters

For Nigam, the call-up represents an important step in his developing career. An Asian Games campaign can provide valuable exposure to international-level cricket and a different range of playing conditions.

The opportunity also puts him alongside established Indian internationals such as Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson in the tournament squad.

India’s Asian Games Squad

India's men's squad for the Asian Games is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. The squad also includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

With Nigam replacing Chakaravarthy, the squad now has another leg-spin option heading into the competition.

Yash Thakur Also Part of the Squad

India had already made another change to their Asian Games squad earlier in September. Yash Thakur replaced Harshit Rana after Rana suffered a rectus femoris strain during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

The latest alteration means India's squad has undergone multiple injury-related changes ahead of the tournament.

India's Asian Games Campaign

The men's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be played in Japan. India have been seeded directly into the men's quarterfinal stage.

The tournament is scheduled to run from September 24 to October 3, with the knockout stage following the preliminary matches involving the other teams.

India Enter as Defending Champions

India will enter the men's cricket competition as the defending Asian Games champions. The team won the gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games after the final was abandoned because of rain.

The 2026 edition therefore gives India another opportunity to compete for the top prize in Asian Games cricket.

Shreyas Iyer Leads the Side

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of India's men's side for the tournament. The leadership group also includes Tilak Varma as vice-captain, while several players with international T20 experience form the core of the squad.

The combination gives India a mixture of established international players and younger talent, including Nigam following his late addition.

Spin Could Play an Important Role

The conditions in Japan will present a different challenge for India's players. Having multiple spin options gives the team flexibility when selecting its bowling combination according to the pitch and opposition.

Nigam's leg-spin could therefore provide another tactical option alongside Bishnoi, Sundar and Axar.

Varun’s Fitness Remains a Concern

Chakaravarthy's latest injury comes after his earlier hamstring problem and means his immediate focus will return to rehabilitation and recovery.

The spinner had already been sent back to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further medical assessment after the side strain. His return timeline will depend on the medical team's evaluation.

A Chance for the Next Generation

While Chakaravarthy's absence is a setback, the change creates an opportunity for Nigam to work alongside some of India's leading T20 players.

For a young spinner, exposure to a senior international environment can be valuable both technically and tactically, particularly when playing in an unfamiliar country.

India Continue Their Preparation

India's Asian Games preparations come alongside their ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan and a historic one-off T20I against Japan scheduled for September 22.

The national side will therefore have a packed schedule before beginning its Asian Games campaign in Japan.

Another Squad Change Before Japan

With Chakaravarthy now replaced by Nigam, India's selectors have once again had to adjust their plans because of injuries.

The focus will now shift toward ensuring that the revised squad remains balanced and that the players are prepared for the conditions and schedule awaiting them in Japan.

Nigam Faces a Big Opportunity

Vipraj Nigam's promotion to the Asian Games squad is an important moment in his career. He now has the chance to make an impression in an India setup containing several experienced international cricketers.

For India, the objective remains unchanged: build a strong squad capable of defending the men's Asian Games cricket title while managing the fitness concerns that have affected their preparations.