DC player identified as Varun Chakravarthy’s replacement for Asian Games 2026; Know here
(Courtesy : BCCI/X)
Delhi Capitals spinner might replace Varun Chakravarthy for the Asian Games 2026.
India’s preparations for the Asian Games 2026 have been hit by another injury-related change, with the team forced to look for a replacement for Varun Chakravarthy. The spinner was expected to play a crucial role in India’s T20I campaign during the Asian Games in Japan.
Chakravarthy’s latest setback came during the ongoing Afghanistan T20I series. He had only recently returned after recovering from a hamstring injury and has now suffered a fresh injury. His fresh injury was a side strain that ruled him out of the remainder of the series. However, what followed was a bigger blow for India, as the mystery spinner reportedly has also been ruled out of the Asian Games 2026.
Vipraj Nigam to replace Varun Chakravarthy for Asian Games – Reports
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With the Indian selectors concerned about a possible replacement for Varun Chakravarthy for the Asian Games, the PTI reports have stated that Vipraj Nigam is set to replace Chakravarthy in India’s Asian Games squad.
The Uttar Pradesh all-rounder has emerged as an exciting T20 prospect and has already gained experience in domestic cricket, India A games and the IPL. Nigam is also a right-arm leg-spinner and is a like-for-like replacement for Chakravarthy; however, he has an additional ability to contribute with the bat.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Nigam picked up 13 wickets, with an economy rate of 7.36. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy that followed, he claimed 15 wickets, including a best of 4/66. In the IPL, he has featured in two IPL seasons for the Delhi Capitals and has scored 157 runs in 19 matches. He also picked up 13 wickets with the ball.
Vipraj also impressed for India A in the 2026 List A tri-series in Sri Lanka. He finished the tournament with seven wickets, maintaining an economy of 5.38. He also scored 116 runs with the bat in four innings for India, which included a half-century against Sri Lanka A.
Though this will be a debut for the UP-based Indian cricketer, the Asian Games will be a valuable chance for him to translate his domestic performance into international glory.
Have Indian won an Asian Games medal in Men’s Cricket?
Yes, the Indian men’s cricket team won a gold medal at the Asian Games during their debut appearance in Hangzhou in 2023.
Is Vipraj Nigam also named as Varun Chakravarthy’s replacement for the 3rd T20I vs AFG?
No, Vipraj Nigam is not named as a replacement for the 3rd T20I vs Afghanistan.
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