Krunal Pandya Aims for National Comeback After Stellar IPL Performance

Krunal Pandya, the all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is making waves in IPL 2026 and has set his sights on returning to the Indian national team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite facing challenges during matches, he has delivered impressive performances, showcasing his batting and bowling skills. With a strong desire to represent India again, Krunal reflects on his journey and aspirations. His recent achievements in the IPL highlight his potential and determination, making him a player to watch as the tournament progresses. Discover more about his journey and the impact he hopes to make in the upcoming World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 09:55 IST

Krunal Pandya's Aspirations for the National Team

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 11: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya is focused on making a comeback to the Indian national team, with hopes of participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. His impressive performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has caught attention.

Krunal showcased one of his finest batting displays, overcoming various challenges such as losing teammates, a difficult pitch in Raipur, and battling cramps. His remarkable counter-attacking innings helped RCB secure a top position in the league, delighting fans.

This season, Krunal has demonstrated flashes of the talent that propelled him and his brother Hardik to fame during their early days with the Mumbai Indians (MI). He has accumulated 141 runs across six innings, averaging 35.25 with a strike rate of 150.00, including a half-century and a top score of 73. Additionally, he has claimed 10 wickets at an average exceeding 29, with an economy rate of 8.70 and best bowling figures of 2/30. His experience and ability to perform under pressure have been crucial to RCB's success in recent seasons.

In a post-match interview, Krunal expressed his lifelong dream of representing India, stating, "Since I was a child, I aspired to play for my country. That ambition remains unchanged. With the World Cup approaching next year, I aim to continue performing well and hope for an opportunity to represent India again, which would be a special moment for me and my family."

Krunal has played five ODIs for India, scoring 130 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 65.00 and a strike rate of 101.56, including a debut score of 58*, which is the fastest fifty by an Indian on ODI debut. He has also taken two wickets in his ODI career. In T20Is, he has participated in 19 matches, scoring 124 runs at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate above 130, with a best score of 26* and 15 wickets at an average of over 36, including a four-wicket haul.

Although his last appearance for India was in July 2021, the 35-year-old remains eager to don the national colors once more.

Krunal boasts a commendable List-A record, amassing 3,001 runs in 98 matches and 93 innings at an average of 38.47, including three centuries and 17 fifties. He has also taken 118 wickets at an average of 31.94, with best figures of 6/41.

In the previous Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 321 runs in seven matches for Baroda, averaging over 53 with a strike rate exceeding 106, including a century and two fifties, while also taking seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.38.

In the match, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off as MI struggled to 28/3 during the powerplay, thanks to Bhuvneshwar's exceptional bowling. However, Naman Dhir (47 off 32 balls) and Tilak Varma (57 off 42) stabilized the innings, leading MI to a total of 166/7.

Bhuvneshwar was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 4 wickets for 23 runs, while Josh Hazlewood and Romario Shepherd contributed with one wicket each.

During RCB's chase, they lost Virat Kohli for a second consecutive golden duck and found themselves at 39/3, with Deepak Chahar in control. Nevertheless, Krunal formed a 55-run partnership with Jacob Bethell and another 38-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma, reaching a crucial fifty. However, RCB's innings faltered as Corbin Bosch and Allah Ghazanfar took key wickets, leaving RCB at 149/7.

In a tense finish, RCB managed to secure a last-ball victory, with Rasikh Salam Dar hitting the winning runs. With seven wins and four losses, RCB currently leads the points table with 14 points, while MI sits at the ninth position with three wins and eight losses, having been eliminated from playoff contention.