Varun Chakaravarthy (Source: AFP)
The wait is finally over as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against England on June 21.
While the squad announcement has grabbed the attention of fans, the board has also provided a major update on the fitness of star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for the T20I series against Ireland.
India will travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series before the England ODIs. The first T20I will be played on June 26, while the second match is scheduled for June 28.
However, Team India will have to play the series without one of their crucial spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy. The KKR star player was earlier the part of the 15-member squad but has been released after he failed to recover on time.
It is important to note that in his absence, Axar Patel will lead India's spin department alongside Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi.
India's Tour of Ireland 2026 Schedule
| No. | Date | Time | Match | Venue |
| 1 | 26 June 2026 | 3:00 PM Local (7:30 PM IST) | 1st T20I | Belfast |
| 2 | 28 June 2026 | 3:00 PM Local (7:30 PM IST) | 2nd T20I | Belfast |
Varun Chakaravarthy Has Been Ruled Out Of Ireland T20I Series
The BCCI confirmed that Varun Chakaravarthy is currently in the final stages of his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) after suffering a left foot injury during the IPL 2026.
As a result, the mystery spinner has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland. However, whether he will be available for the England T20Is is yet to be known.
The board also stated that Varun is recovering well and continues to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical team.
While his recovery is progressing positively, the selectors and medical staff have decided not to rush his return, allowing him additional time to regain full fitness.
𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: "Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the Ireland T20I Series as he continues his rehab at the BCCI COE." BCCI stated.
India's updated squad for Ireland T20Is
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prasidh Krishna.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Not Cleared; India ODI Squad For England Tour Announced
When Was Varun Chakaravarthy Injured?
Varun faced a difficult and painful IPL 2026 campaign, battling through multiple injuries while playing for KKR.
His injury troubles began early in the season when he fractured two fingers in separate incidents. The biggest setback came during KKR's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
While bowling, Varun was struck on his left foot by a powerful straight drive from Ishan Kishan. The impact caused a hairline fracture in his left toe (as per earlier reports).
Even after suffering the toe fracture, Varun continued playing to help KKR stay in the race for the IPL playoffs.
Varun Chakaravarthy last played in IPL 2026. In the cash-rich league, he played in 11 matches and took 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.78.
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