The current selection committee and team management does not seem to be in favour of picking ageing players. After T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, Suryakumar Yadav wasn’t just sacked as captain but dropped too, owing to his diminishing returns with the bat. But, the selectors may break the monotony by recalling Krunal Pandya in the T20I squad.
As per a report by TOI, the team management has is considering Krunal as an option following Axar Patel’s underwhelming run on the UK tour against England and Ireland. Krunal is in the list of left-arm spinners who can be a back-up for Axar.
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When was Krunal’s last T20I appearance?
Krunal has not been a part of the Indian T20I squad since 2021. His last T20I appearance was against Sri Lanka in Colombo where he remained unbeaten for three runs and bagged one wicket from two overs, conceding 16 runs. India won the match by 38 runs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar bagging a four-wicket haul.
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Krunal shines for RCB
But, in the past five years, Krunal has played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and then Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) where he found his mojo. He helped RCB win two consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. From two seasons, he has 31 wickets for RCB. Also, he has contributed with two match-winning 73-run knocks.
Krunal had also expressed that he is hopeful of donning the India jersey in T20Is again but doesn’t think about selection anymore.
"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."
"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."
India’s next T20I series
India’s next T20I assignment is at home before they head to Japan for Asian Games 2026. India will take on Afghanistan in the three-T20I series in Delhi starting on September 13. It is yet to be seen whether Axar gets a long rope or Krunal makes a comeback. Axar is currently part of India’s Asian Games squad as well.