Krunal Pandya, the left-arm spinner, is being evaluated for a return to India's T20I squad as they prepare for a three-match series against Afghanistan, starting on September 13. Pandya has not played in T20Is since July 25, 2021, against Sri Lanka. The Indian team management is actively considering options for spin-bowling all-rounders following subpar performances by Axar Patel in recent series.
Axar Patel's Recent Form
The Indian spin department has come under scrutiny after Axar Patel's lackluster performance in the T20I series against England and Ireland. In seven matches, Patel managed to take only four wickets, with two wickets in each series. His statistics raised concerns about his effectiveness as a spinner, prompting the selection panel to explore other options.
Reasons for Krunal's Consideration
Krunal Pandya's inclusion may provide the Indian team with a necessary boost. During the 2026 IPL season, he earned accolades for his bowling, taking 14 wickets for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His performance in domestic cricket has kept him in the conversation as a reliable spinner for the T20 format. In his IPL tenure, he has amassed 335 runs, including two fifties, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
Krunal's Improved Bowling Speed
Krunal has been working on his bowling pace and showed noticeable improvement this past season. He developed a faster delivery, clocking in at 126 kilometers per hour, which could add depth to the Indian bowling unit. This transformation in his skillset could be pivotal in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
Statistical Profile
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Batting Average |
|---|
| ODIs | 5 | 15 | 8.11 | 24.80 |
| T20Is | 19 | N/A | N/A | 24.80 |
Selection Panel's Decision
The decision from the selection panel is expected soon, as they finalize the squad for the Afghanistan series. Will Krunal Pandya get the nod? His consistent performances in both international and domestic formats may tip the scales in his favor, potentially adding strength to India's spin-bowling lineup.