Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya expressed optimism about a future return to the national team following the announcement of India’s squad for the T20 series against Afghanistan.
Despite speculation in the media regarding Krunal’s inclusion for the upcoming T20 Internationals in New Delhi, he was not selected. The spin all-rounder options named in the squad are Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, the latter pending fitness clearance. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi have been chosen as specialist bowlers.
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On his Instagram account, Krunal posted the message “Hope is still alive”, accompanied by a fingers-crossed and Indian flag emoji.
Krunal last represented India in 2021
Krunal last represented India in 2021. In five T20I matches and four innings, he scored 130 runs at an average of 65.00, with a strike rate of 101.56, including one half-century and a highest score of 58 not out. He has also taken two wickets in this format. Overall, in 19 T20I appearances and 10 innings, he has made 124 runs at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate of 130.52, with a highest score of 26 not out, along with 15 wickets at an average of 36.93 and best bowling figures of 4 for 36.
During the 2026 Indian Premier League season, Krunal played a significant role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s consecutive IPL title wins. He scored 226 runs in nine innings, averaging 37.66 with a strike rate of 145.80, including one fifty and a best of 73. Additionally, he took 14 wickets at an average of 30.35, with best figures of 2 for 16.
In the previous IPL season, Krunal was instrumental in RCB’s maiden IPL triumph. He was named Player of the Match in the final for his bowling figures of 2 for 17 in four overs, contributing to defending a total of 191 runs. He was RCB’s second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 22.29 and best figures of 4 for 45. With the bat, he scored 109 runs in seven innings at an average of 18.16 and a strike rate of 126.74, with a top score of 73 not out.
Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has returned
Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the squad, subject to fitness clearance, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana. Bumrah last played internationally against England on July 16 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff but was subsequently ruled out of the final ODI at Lord’s due to an impact injury sustained while fielding. He also missed India’s Test series against Sri Lanka, which the visitors won 1-0.
The three-match T20 series will begin on September 13, with subsequent matches on September 15 and September 17. All fixtures will be held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.
This series is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program and will be played in India, where Afghanistan has hosted its home matches in recent years.
The Indian squad includes a blend of experienced
The Indian squad includes a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. The top order features Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. The middle order consists of captain Shreyas Iyer, vice-captain Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube. The team includes three all-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. The spin attack will be led by Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. The pace department will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana offering an additional bowling option through his effective cutters.
India’s squad is: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
Source: thenewsmill.com
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