Varun Chakaravarthy replacements for IND vs AFG T20Is. [Source - AFP]Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of India’s T20I squad for the remainder of their three-match series against Afghanistan. The spinner played the 1st T20I and returned impressive match-winning figures of 1/16 before being sidelined by injury.Chakaravarthy had only recently returned after recovering from his previous injury, which forced him to miss India’s Zimbabwe tour. With another setback now ruling him out, India need a replacement, so let’s take a look at the top options who could join the squad.India have two T20Is remaining against Afghanistan, with the final games scheduled for September 15 and 17 in Delhi. The team will then travel to Japan for the Asian Games 2026, beginning their campaign directly in the quarter-finals.Varun Chakaravarthy was also named in India’s Asian Games squad, but his latest injury in Afghanistan series has now put his availability in doubt. Here are three players who can replace Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s T20I squad.1. Kuldeep YadavKuldeep Yadav is arguably the most experienced players who can replace Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s T20I squad. The left-arm wrist-spinner has picked up 95 wickets in T20Is and remains one of India’s superstars in the format.Kuldeep was India’s first-choice spinner before Chakaravarthy took over. His left-arm wrist spin and experience make him a reliable option, although his current County Championship stint with Yorkshire could complicate his availability for Afghanistan T20Is.His recent numbers, however, have not been outstanding, with Kuldeep managing 10 wickets in 12 matches during IPL 2026. Still, his quality and international experience mean he remains one of the first players India could consider.2. Krunal PandyaKrunal Pandya has won two IPL titles with RCB and has been among most consistent spin options in India recently. No Indian spinner has taken more wickets than him across the last two IPL seasons, with 31 wickets.Those 31 wickets have come at an economy rate of 8.33, highlighting Krunal’s street-smart T20 bowling and control. His ability to vary his pace and angles makes him an effective option who can make a significant difference.Also Read: Rishabh Pant Faces Stiff Competition In India's 2027 WC Squad, No Krunal PandyaHowever, Krunal’s last T20I appearance came back in 2021, meaning it has been more than five years since he last represented India in the format. That lengthy international absence remains a major factor against him.Krunal was reportedly close to making India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series but missed out. With Varun Chakaravarthy now unavailable due to injury, his path has opened up, making him one of the first players who could come into India’s T20I squad against Afghanistan.3. Harsh DubeyHarsh Dubey has steadily entered India’s scheme of things across formats, recently receiving a national call-up and making his ODI debut. He has also featured regularly in India A projects and various T20 assignments.One of his notable T20 assignments came at the Emerging Asia Cup 2025, adding valuable experience to his growing résumé. Dubey has picked up 34 wickets in T20 cricket, but his economy rate of 7.57 best highlights his control.With Varun Chakaravarthy ruled out, Harsh Dubey could come into India’s T20I squad as his replacement for the Afghanistan series. His ability to control the middle overs and keep opposition batters under pressure makes him a strong option.Also Read: List Of Titles Won By Harmanpreet Kaur As India Captain
