New Delhi: Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned the Indian selection committee’s decision to pick Delhi Capitals all-rounder Vipraj Nigam as the replacement for injured spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in India’s Asian Games 2026 squad.

Chakaravarthy, 35, suffered an injury during the first T20I against Afghanistan and was subsequently ruled out of the remaining matches of the series as well as India’s upcoming Asian Games campaign. The BCCI named Nigam as his replacement, giving the young player an opportunity to make his international debut.

The decision has now drawn criticism from Srikkanth, who questioned whether Nigam was the appropriate replacement for a specialist spinner such as Chakaravarthy.

Srikkanth questions Nigam’s selection

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned the basis on which Nigam was selected for the Asian Games squad.

“How did Vipraj Nigam get into the squad out of nowhere? On what basis has he been picked? Is he such a great bowler to be picked as a like-for-like for Varun Chakaravarthy?” Srikkanth said, according to NDTV.

He also criticised what he sees as a broader approach to handing out India opportunities, saying that an international cap should not be awarded without sufficient justification.

Srikkanth’s comments come after Nigam was brought into the squad following Chakaravarthy’s injury. The selection gives the young Delhi Capitals player his first opportunity to represent India at senior international level.

Vipraj Nigam’s IPL numbers

Nigam attracted attention during his maiden IPL campaign for Delhi Capitals in 2025.

According to NDTV, he scored 142 runs at a strike rate of 180 and claimed 11 wickets in 14 matches during the 2025 season. His performances made him one of the young players to watch in the competition.

His opportunities were more limited in 2026, however. Nigam played only five matches during the season, scoring 15 runs and taking two wickets.

The contrast between his two IPL seasons forms an important part of the discussion surrounding his selection.

While his first season provided evidence of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, his reduced involvement in the following campaign has led Srikkanth to question whether he had done enough to warrant an international call-up as Chakaravarthy’s replacement.

Why Chakaravarthy’s absence matters

Chakaravarthy was part of India’s plans for the Asian Games after establishing himself as an important option in the T20 format.

His mystery-spin variations have made him a difficult bowler for opposition batters to read, particularly in the middle overs. His absence therefore leaves India without one of its experienced T20 spin options for the tournament.

India will begin its Asian Games cricket campaign from the quarter-final stage on September 28 in Nagoya, Japan.

The men’s and women’s cricket competitions are part of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which began on September 19 and will continue until October 4.

Srikkanth also questions other omissions

Srikkanth’s criticism was not limited to Nigam’s selection.

The former India opener also questioned the continued absence of experienced players such as Krunal Pandya, Rajat Patidar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“What wrong have Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar done in life? Some of these selections are baffling. Age cannot be the only decider, as it seems to be with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya. It’s also about capability and performance,” Srikkanth said.

He argued that younger players should displace experienced players through performances rather than simply being preferred because of their age.

Srikkanth also questioned whether players such as Yash Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi had done enough through their performances to establish themselves ahead of the senior names he mentioned.

These are Srikkanth’s views on the selection decisions and do not represent an official explanation from the BCCI or the selection committee.

India complete Afghanistan T20I sweep

The selection debate comes after India completed a 3–0 T20I series sweep against Afghanistan.

India won the third and final T20I by 127 runs in Delhi, closing out the series with another comprehensive victory.

The series also provided the final competitive action for several members of India’s wider T20 group before the Asian Games campaign.

With Chakaravarthy now unavailable, the selectors have opted to give Nigam an opportunity at the continental tournament. The 2026 Asian Games could therefore become an important first step in the youngster’s international career.

A new opportunity for Nigam

Despite the criticism surrounding his selection, Nigam will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his credentials at the highest level.

His 2025 IPL campaign showed that he can contribute in both departments, while his limited appearances in 2026 mean his current international credentials remain largely untested.

The Asian Games will provide a different environment from the IPL, with India entering the competition as one of the teams expected to challenge for the cricket medals.

For Nigam, the tournament represents a chance to answer questions about his selection through performances on the field.

India’s campaign begins on September 28 in Nagoya, with the team entering the competition from the quarter-final stage.