Krunal Pandya reacts to T20I squad snub for Afghanistan series, writes 'Hope is still alive'

India’s veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya continued to face selectors’ snub as Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were retained in the T20I squad. Axar retained his place in the side despite an unimpressive run in T20Is against Ireland and England. Meanwhile, Sundar has been named in the squad with his participation subject to fitness.

But, Krunal has not given up on his dream to don the India jersey again. He took to social media and wrote: “Hope is still alive” with fingers crossed emoji and Indian flag.

Krunal has been missing from the squad for five years. He hasn’t played international cricket since India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2021.

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There were reports of Krunal being in the discussions among selectors as a possible replacement for Axar but the latter has got another chance. Axar was also named in India’s squad for Asian Games 2026 in Japan as well.

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Earlier this year, Krunal had expressed his desire to play for India again. He revealed that he doesn't think about selection match but remains hopeful of making comeback.

"I don’t think too much about selection now. Of course, I am human and there is disappointment at times. But, you have to remind yourself why you started playing cricket. I have immense love for the sport, and that’s what keeps me going," the 35-year-old all-rounder had said.

"Yeah, hope is always there, right? I am hopeful that I’ll get the opportunity again to play for the country. Fingers crossed, but I am hopeful."

Krunal proving it at RCB

Krunal has been a vital cog in the wheel of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) consecutive IPL triumphs. He had taken 17 wickets in the 2025 edition and followed it up with 14 wickets in IPL 2026. He has been handy down the order with the bat. In IPL 2026, he scored 226 runs from nine innings at an average of 37.66 and strike rate of 145.80, including a fifty.

Axar’s numbers on UK tour

Axar had scored just 48 runs from seven innings on UK tour. With his left-arm spin, he managed just four wickets. In the final T20I of the series, he conceded 63 runs and remained wicketless.

Axar’s chance at DC’s homeground

On September 13, two-time T20 World Cup winner Axar will have a chance to repay selectors’ faith at his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals’ (DC) homeground. All three T20Is will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, before the Shreyas Iyer-led India heads to Japan for Asian Games 2026.