The debate over experienced players returning to the Indian cricket team has gathered momentum following the selection of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Now, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his support behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya, backing him for a potential comeback to the national side.
Gavaskar believes selectors should focus on a player’s fitness, form and ability to deliver on the big stage rather than making decisions based on age. His comments have reignited discussions about whether Krunal could earn another opportunity to represent India, particularly with his experience and all-round skills making him a valuable option.
Bhuvneshwar’s return to India’s T20I setup after a gap of 1,425 days has also encouraged conversations about giving proven performers another chance. Although the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru was abandoned due to rain, the experienced pacer’s selection has raised hopes among other players seeking an international comeback.
Sunil Gavaskar praises Krunal Pandya’s cricketing intelligence
Gavaskar has described Krunal Pandya as an intelligent cricketer who understands how to outthink batters. Speaking on JioStar, the former India opener praised the left-arm spinner’s ability to vary his line and length and use different tactics to keep opponents under pressure.
According to Gavaskar, Krunal does not depend solely on generating turn. Instead, he relies on his reading of the batter, clever changes in his bowling and disciplined execution to control the game.
‘Outstanding cricketer, really one of the smart cricketers that we’ve,’ Gavaskar said while discussing Krunal’s bowling.
He also highlighted the all-rounder’s ability to target the pads and occasionally surprise batters with a bouncer. Gavaskar believes this tactical awareness allows Krunal to contribute even when he is not taking wickets, as he can restrict the opposition’s scoring rate and build pressure.
The former India captain’s assessment underlines the value of bowlers who can adapt their approach according to the batter and the match situation.
Gavaskar says age should not decide India’s World Cup squad
Gavaskar also made it clear that age should not be the deciding factor when selectors choose players for major tournaments, including the World Cup. He believes experienced cricketers who remain fit and continue to perform in the IPL and domestic cricket should have a fair chance of returning to the national team.
‘And then as a batter, as a fielder in the deep, he’s an outstanding cricketer and I do believe that if you want to win the World Cups, you just go with the guys who you think will win the World Cup. Don’t look at their age. That’s not the point,’ Gavaskar added.
His comments reflect the argument that selection decisions should be based on a player’s present ability to contribute to the team rather than age alone.
For Krunal, this backing could strengthen the discussion around his international future. However, Gavaskar’s support does not guarantee a recall, with the final decision resting on the selectors and the team’s requirements.
Can Krunal Pandya make a comeback to Team India?
Krunal Pandya last represented India during the tour of Sri Lanka in 2021. Since then, the all-rounder has continued to feature in competitive cricket, including the Indian Premier League, where his experience in high-pressure situations remains an important part of his profile.
His combination of left-arm spin, middle-order batting and reliable fielding offers flexibility to a team looking for players who can contribute in multiple departments.
With the ball, Krunal can operate during the middle overs, change his pace and angles, and attempt to keep aggressive batters in check. His ability to bowl economically could be particularly useful in limited-overs cricket, where controlling the scoring rate is often as important as taking wickets.
His batting provides another option in the middle order, while his fielding adds to his overall value. These qualities make him a player worth considering when selectors assess the balance of India’s squad.
However, a potential comeback will depend on his recent performances, fitness and whether the team needs his particular skill set. Consistent displays in domestic cricket and the IPL could help strengthen his case for selection.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return raises hopes for experienced players
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad has renewed the debate over experienced players receiving another opportunity at the international level. His comeback after a long absence has offered encouragement to cricketers who remain active and are still looking to prove their value.
Krunal Pandya is now among the experienced players being discussed in this context, with Gavaskar’s backing bringing additional attention to his credentials.
While there is no confirmed announcement regarding Krunal’s return, the former India captain’s message is clear: players who are fit and performing should not be overlooked simply because of their age.
Whether Krunal can turn that support into an India recall will depend on his performances and the selectors’ plans. For now, Gavaskar’s endorsement has put the RCB all-rounder’s international future back in the spotlight.