New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya has indicated that his hopes of returning to the national team remain alive after he was left out of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
Soon after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad on September 1, Krunal shared an Instagram story carrying the message “Hope is still alive”accompanied by a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag. His post quickly attracted attention as fans and cricket followers discussed his omission from the squad.
There had been speculation that the experienced all-rounder could make his return to international cricket after a strong run of form in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. However, the selectors opted for Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar among their all-round options for the Afghanistan series.
Krunal misses out despite strong recent form
Krunal has not represented India since 2021, but his performances over the past two IPL seasons had put his name back into discussions surrounding a potential national comeback.
In IPL 2026, the left-arm all-rounder played an important role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), contributing with both bat and ball. He scored 226 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 145.80 and also claimed 14 wicketswith his best bowling figures being 2/16. His all-round contribution was part of RCB’s successful campaign.
His previous IPL season was also significant. Krunal played a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign and was named Player of the Match in the final after producing an important spell of 2/17 while defending 191. He finished that season with 17 wickets in 15 matches.
Those performances had strengthened the argument for his return to India’s T20 setup, particularly given his experience as a spin-bowling all-rounder.
‘Hope is still alive’ message draws attention
Krunal’s social media message came shortly after the Afghanistan squad announcement and was widely interpreted as a sign that he has not given up on his India comeback ambitions.
The 35-year-old last played for India during the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in 2021. Across 19 T20Ishe has scored 124 runs and taken 15 wickets, with his best bowling figures being 4/36.
Although he was not selected this time, his recent performances have kept the possibility of a future return open, particularly with India continuing to assess players ahead of major international tournaments.
Krunal’s role as a left-arm spin all-rounder also makes his selection prospects dependent on team balance and the competition for places. Axar Patel remains an established option in that role, while Washington Sundar provides another similar combination of batting and off-spin.
India announce 15-member Afghanistan squad
India have named a 15-member squad for the Afghanistan T20I series, with Shreyas Iyer appointed captain and Tilak Varma named vice-captain.
The squad includes a combination of established international players and emerging talent. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been included alongside Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, while Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma feature in the middle order.
The four players marked as subject to fitness clearance are Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana. The BCCI has specifically stated that their availability depends on fitness clearance.
Bumrah’s inclusion is particularly notable as the premier fast bowler returns to the squad after missing India’s Test series against Sri Lanka. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana provide additional pace options.
In the spin department, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi have been selected as specialist options, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar offer all-round abilities.
Afghanistan T20I series begins September 13
The three-match series against Afghanistan will be played entirely in New Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium.
The first T20I will be held on September 13followed by the second match on September 15 and the third on September 17. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the series is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Programme and will be hosted in India.
Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran, who will take charge as the team’s full-time T20I captain for the first time. Their squad also includes experienced campaigners such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, while fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq returns after recovering from injury.
For India, the series will provide another opportunity to assess players and combinations ahead of the Asian Games campaign.
Competition for all-rounder spots remains intense
Krunal’s omission highlights the intense competition for all-rounder positions in India’s T20 setup.
Axar Patel has established himself as a dependable left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, while Washington Sundar offers a different option with his off-spin. Nitish Kumar Reddy adds pace-bowling ability alongside his batting.
With the selectors balancing bowling combinations, batting depth and fielding requirements, returning to the national team is unlikely to be straightforward for Krunal despite his strong IPL performances.
However, his message suggests that he remains motivated to compete for a place.
His experience, recent performances and ability to contribute in both departments could keep him in contention if opportunities arise through upcoming T20I assignments. The Afghanistan series is only one part of India’s wider international calendar, leaving further chances for players outside the current squad to make their case.
India squad for Afghanistan T20Is
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 Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana*.
*Subject to fitness clearance.
For now, Krunal Pandya’s return remains uncertain, but his simple social media message has made his intentions clear: he has not closed the door on playing for India again.