The selectors and management of Team India are currently working on a strict policy of not giving preference to older players. After the title win of T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar Yadav was not only removed from the captaincy but was also dropped from the team due to his continuously declining form with the bat. However, keeping in mind the upcoming series, the selectors are considering bringing back experienced all-rounder Krunal Pandya in the T20 team.
Pandya can replace Akshar Patel
According to a Times of India report, the team management is looking for options for Axar Patel after his lackluster performance against England and Ireland on the United Kingdom tour. Krunal Pandya’s name is in the forefront as a left-arm spinner as Akshar’s backup. Krunal played his last T20 International match in the year 2021 against Sri Lanka in Colombo where he scored 3 unbeaten runs and took one wicket for 16 runs. India had won that match by 38 runs.
Continuously performing well in IPL
There has been a big change in Krunal’s career during the last five years. He regained his lost rhythm while playing for Lucknow Super Giants and then Royal Challengers Bangalore. Krunal played a very important role in helping RCB win two consecutive IPL titles. In the last two seasons, he took 31 wickets for RCB and also proved his usefulness by playing match-winning innings of 73-73 runs on two occasions.
Indian team will enter Asian Games
Team India will leave for the Asian Games 2026 to be held in Japan. India has to play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in Delhi from September 13. Now it will be interesting to see whether the selectors give further opportunity to Akshar Patel or Krunal Pandya, who has left his mark in the IPL, makes a surprise comeback in the team.