India cricketer battles dengue-chikungunya combo ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Team India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final between Haryana and Jharkhand in Pune on Thursday, December 18. The senior leg-spinner later revealed the reason behind his absence from the cricket field, confirming that he was suffering from both dengue and chikungunya.

Chahal featured in Haryana’s early games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked up three wickets in his first three matches. However, he missed the rest of the group stage, the Super League phase, and the summit clash. The veteran cricketer was last seen in competitive action on November 30.

Indian Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal Battles Dengue-Chikungunya Combo

Yuzvendra Chahal was ruled out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final due to illness and could not take the field for Haryana. Chahal revealed that doctors advised complete rest after he was diagnosed with dengue and chikungunya. The spinner said that he was disappointed to miss the final.

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"Wishing my team Haryana all the very best for the SMAT finals. I wished to be a part of the team but unfortunately I am down with dengue and chikungunya, which have really taken a toll on my health. The doctors have asked to focus only on rest and recovery. I'll be back to the field and bowling to my full strength soon," Chahal tweeted.

Ishan Kishan Leads Jharkhand to Maiden SMAT Title

Ishan Kishan delivered a standout performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, leading Jharkhand to their first-ever title. Batting first, he played an explosive innings, scoring 101 off just 49 balls with 10 sixes, and set the tone for a massive total.

Kumar Kushagra, who struck 81 from 38 balls, and Kishan shared a decisive partnership that pushed Jharkhand to a huge total of 262 for 3. Anukul Roy also made an impact with both bat and ball, adding quick runs and then striking early with the ball.

Chasing a daunting target, Haryana struggled to keep up. Yashvardhan Dalal fought with a half-century, but the team lost regular wickets. Anukul Roy, Sushant Mishra, and Bal Krishna kept the pressure on and bowled Haryana out for 193.

The 69-run win sealed Jharkhand’s maiden SMAT title and marked the first time in nearly two decades that a new champion lifted the trophy. Kishan capped off a remarkable tournament by finishing as the leading run-scorer.

Yuzvendra Chahal Targets Vijay Hazare Trophy Return After Illness

Yuzvendra Chahal is targeting a return to competitive cricket through the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on December 24, as he looks to regain match fitness after his recent illness. He has not confirmed an exact comeback date but is likely to return in the 50-over domestic tournament.

Chahal has been away from the Indian senior team since August 2023 and did not feature in the T20 World Cup last year. The spinner has stayed active by playing county cricket in England, where he represented Northamptonshire.

During that stint, he picked up six wickets in the One-Day Cup with a controlled economy rate and added 12 wickets in the County Championship, including a five-wicket haul.

In the IPL, he has been retained by the Punjab Kings for the upcoming season after the team reached the final in 2025. Chahal will be keen to use the Vijay Hazare Trophy to regain his form.

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