India were forced to make two changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I against England at the County Ground in Bristol on Thursday (July 9), with fast bowler Harshit Rana and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy missing the match due to injuries.

Why did Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana miss out?

At the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first before confirming that both players had been ruled out. Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar were named as their replacements.

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“We’ve got two changes, two injuries actually. Varun and Harshit go out, so Washington and Prasidh comes in," Shreyas said at the toss.

Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar last played for India in the opening T20I of the Ireland series in Belfast on June 26.

Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy will miss 5th T20I as well

Soon after Iyer's announcement at the toss, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared an official update on X, explaining the reason behind the duo's absence.

According to the BCCI, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy suffered hamstring injuries during the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. After being examined by the BCCI Medical Team, both players have been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the series.

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That means Harshit and Varun will also miss the fifth and final T20I, which will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday (July 11).

“Update. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy sustained hamstring injuries in the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge. The BCCI Medical Team has assessed them and ruled them out of the 4th and 5th T20Is," BCCI tweeted.