Krunal Pandya is under consideration for a potential return to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan.
The left-arm spinner has not featured in India’s shortest format since July 25, 2021, when he last played against Sri Lanka.
India are scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series beginning September 13, with all three games to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The Indian team management is exploring options for spin-bowling all-rounders in the shortest format following recent outings in Ireland and England. Axar Patel played all seven games across those two series but recorded mediocre returns, taking two wickets in four T20Is against England and two wickets in two T20Is against Ireland.
According to a Times of India report, Krunal’s potential comeback is being considered as the selection panel evaluates alternatives for the role.
Axar Patel’s recent form prompts spinner review
Axar Patel’s performances in the recent England and Ireland T20I series have prompted the Indian team management to explore alternative options for the left-arm spinner role. His returns across the two series were limited, with just four wickets across seven matches. The selection panel is now considering Krunal Pandya as a potential option to strengthen the spin bowling unit ahead of the Afghanistan assignment.
Krunal’s IPL form keeps him in contention
Krunal’s recent domestic and league performances have kept him in the frame for selection. In the 2026 Indian Premier League season, he picked up 14 wickets for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Across two seasons with RCB, the 35-year-old has scored 335 runs with two fifties in 31 matches and taken 31 wickets with the ball.
During the 2026 IPL season, Krunal developed a faster ball and clocked 126 kilometres per hour, demonstrating improved pace in his bowling arsenal. His performances in the league have attracted the attention of the Indian selection panel as they prepare for the Afghanistan series. The selection panel meeting is expected this week to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I assignments.
Krunal has played five ODIs and 19 T20Is so far in his career. He is averaging 24.80 with the bat, with a highest score of 26. With the ball, he has accounted for 15 wickets at an economy rate of 8.11.