Krunal Pandya Remains Hopeful for Team India Comeback Amid Afghanistan T20I Squad Announcement

Krunal Pandya shares his optimism for a return to Team India as the squad for the Afghanistan T20I series is revealed. Despite not being selected, he remains hopeful. The series, set to begin on September 13, will showcase a mix of experienced players and young talent. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah are also making a comeback. Read on for more details about the squad and the upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 23:58 IST

Krunal Pandya's Optimism for Team India

New Delhi, September 1: Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya took to social media to express his hope for a return to the national team following the announcement of the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.

Despite speculation suggesting that Krunal might be included in the squad for the T20Is set to take place in Delhi, he was ultimately not selected. The team will feature Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as spin all-rounder options, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi will serve as specialist bowlers.

On his Instagram, Krunal shared a message stating, “Hope is still alive” accompanied by a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag.

Krunal last represented India in 2021, where he played five matches and scored 130 runs at an impressive average of 65.00, with a strike rate of 101.56, including a top score of 58*. He has also taken two wickets in T20Is, where he has played 19 matches, accumulating 124 runs at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate of 130.52, with his best score being 26* and 15 wickets at an average of 36.93, with best figures of 4/36.

During the IPL 2026 season, Krunal found his form again, contributing significantly to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's consecutive title wins. He scored 226 runs in nine innings, averaging 37.66 with a strike rate of 145.80, including a fifty and a top score of 73. Additionally, he took 14 wickets at an average of 30.35, with best figures of 2/16.

In the previous IPL season, Krunal was pivotal in RCB's first title victory, earning the 'Player of the Match' award in the final for his bowling figures of 2/17 in four overs, which was crucial in defending a target of 191 runs. He finished as RCB's second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 15 matches, averaging 22.29, and scored 109 runs in seven innings at an average of 18.16, with a best score of 73*.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to return to the squad, pending fitness clearance, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Harshit Rana.

Bumrah's last international appearance was against England on July 16 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. He was later ruled out of the final ODI at Lord's due to an impact injury sustained while fielding in Cardiff and missed the Test series against Sri Lanka, which India lost 1-0.

The T20I series will commence on September 13, with the second match on September 15 and the third on September 17, all taking place at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.

This series is part of Afghanistan's Future Tours Program and will be hosted in India, where Afghanistan has played its home matches in recent years.

The Indian top order includes a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan.

The middle order features captain Shreyas Iyer, vice-captain Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube.

India has selected three all-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, while Varun Chakravarthy will lead the spin department alongside Ravi Bishnoi.

The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana providing additional options with his effective cutters.

India's squad includes: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson [WK], Ishan Kishan [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*.