Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has backed Ravi Bishnoi to replace Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s playing XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan after the mystery spinner suffered a side strain in the series opener.

Chakaravarthy picked up the injury during Sunday’s first match and is set to miss the final two T20Is of the three-match series. His participation in the upcoming Asian Games could also be in doubt. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has not yet officially confirmed the injury or announced a replacement.

Chopra picks Bishnoi for second T20I

Ahead of Tuesday’s match, Chopra identified Bishnoi as the most straightforward option to come into the side, particularly with no replacement having been formally named by the BCCI.

“Who will replace Varun Chakravarthy? That is the second question. First, India need to use the fifth bowler better. Then comes the question of who replaces Varun. I see Ravi Bishnoi as the straightforward choice because no replacement has been announced,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“With matches being played every alternate day, I expect to see Ravi Bishnoi playing this evening,” he added. Bishnoi had lost his place in the playing XI for the series opener but could now return to the team following Chakaravarthy’s injury.

Chakaravarthy’s recent injury woes

The latest setback is another injury concern for Chakaravarthy, who has struggled with fitness issues in recent months. The spinner suffered a hamstring injury during India’s tour of the UK and missed the final leg of that series. The injury subsequently ruled him out of the Zimbabwe T20Is.

Bishnoi replaced him during the Zimbabwe series and retained his place in the squad for the Afghanistan tour. With Chakaravarthy now unavailable, he appears set to return to the playing XI for the second T20I.

India lead series 1-0

India head into the second match with a 1-0 lead after a dominant performance in the opening T20I.

Chasing a target of 157, the Men in Blue reached the total in just 13.4 overs. Abhishek Sharma produced a blistering innings of 82 from 32 deliveries, striking at 256.25 and smashing seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan also contributed with 42 off 33 balls.

With the ball, Arshdeep Singh was India’s standout performer, claiming three wickets for 19 runs in his four overs. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to international cricket, picked up one wicket for 26 runs.

The second T20I is scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium at 7.30 pm IST on Tuesday, with India aiming to seal the three-match series.