India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games has undergone another change after spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the upcoming tournament because of a side strain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named young all-rounder Vipraj Nigam as his replacement.
For Nigam, the selection marks a major milestone in his career as he receives his first call-up to the senior India squad. The BCCI confirmed the changes on September 16, along with an update regarding all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Varun Chakaravarthy Misses Asian Games Due to Injury
Varun Chakaravarthy has been withdrawn from both the upcoming Japan T20I and India’s Asian Games campaign after suffering a side strain.
The spinner was part of India’s original squad for the 2026 Asian Games. He had also been selected for the ongoing T20I assignment, but his injury means he will not be available for either competition.
The BCCI’s latest announcement specifically confirms that Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the Japan T20I and the Asian Games because of the injury.
His absence creates a vacancy in India’s spin-bowling options, and the selectors have decided to bring in Vipraj Nigam.
Vipraj Nigam Receives His First India Call-Up
Vipraj Nigam has now earned his first senior India call-up. The young leg-spin all-rounder has been making progress through domestic cricket and India A assignments.
Nigam represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and has also featured for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a versatile option for the Indian squad.
The 2026 Asian Games selection provides Nigam with an opportunity to step into the senior international setup after his performances at the domestic and franchise levels.
The BCCI has officially included Nigam in the updated squad as Chakaravarthy’s replacement.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Also Withdrawn From Asian Games Squad
There has been another change to India’s Asian Games group.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was initially selected for the tournament, has been withdrawn from the Asian Games squad. According to the BCCI, he will instead be part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies.
The ODI series is scheduled to begin on September 27, with the first match set to be played in Thiruvananthapuram.
This means the Indian team will enter the Asian Games with an updated combination following the latest selection changes.
Shreyas Iyer Remains Captain
Shreyas Iyer continues to lead India in the Asian Games squad, with Tilak Varma named as vice-captain.
Iyer was originally appointed captain when the BCCI announced India’s Asian Games squad in June. The core of that squad has remained intact despite subsequent changes caused by injuries and selection requirements.
India’s men’s team is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Updated India Squad for Asian Games 2026
Following the latest changes, India’s updated 14-member squad is:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Shivam Dube
- Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain)
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Yash Thakur
- Vipraj Nigam
The BCCI had previously announced Yash Thakur as Harshit Rana’s replacement in the Asian Games squad after Rana suffered a rectus femoris strain during a match simulation.
A Big Opportunity for Vipraj Nigam
Nigam’s inclusion is particularly significant because this is his first opportunity to be part of India’s senior setup.
His role as a spin-bowling all-rounder gives the selectors another option in the middle order while also adding depth to the bowling department. His selection also reflects the progression he has made through domestic and India A cricket.
The BCCI’s India A squad announcement earlier in September included Nigam in the one-day squad for the home series against Australia A, further highlighting his recent involvement in the national pathway.
With Varun Chakaravarthy unavailable and Nitish Kumar Reddy moved to the ODI setup, the Asian Games squad now has a significantly different composition from the one initially announced.
The latest changes are therefore an important development ahead of India’s 2026 Asian Games campaign, while Vipraj Nigam will now look to make the most of his first opportunity with the senior national team.
