Krunal Pandya’s consistent performances in the Indian Premier League have strengthened his case for a possible return to the Indian cricket team, with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and ex-spinner Murali Kartik arguing that current form should matter more than age.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder has developed into a dependable bowling option while continuing to contribute with the bat. His performances have prompted questions about whether he could follow teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose return to the national setup has renewed discussions about giving experienced players another opportunity. However, Krunal’s chances will depend on India’s requirements and the competition for places in the all-rounder department.
Gavaskar has backed selecting players on merit, arguing that age should not become a barrier when cricketers remain fit and perform consistently in domestic cricket and the IPL. He described Krunal as one of the smartest cricketers in the country and stressed that teams preparing for major tournaments should prioritise players capable of delivering results. Krunal’s IPL record provides a basis for that argument. Across 158 matches, he has taken 107 wickets at an economy rate of 7.57. More recently, he has taken 31 wickets in 31 matches over the last two seasons, taking on greater responsibility as RCB’s lead spinner.
Krunal’s bowling has evolved to meet the demands of modern T20 cricket. He has used quicker deliveries, including bouncers, alongside flatter balls to restrict scoring opportunities and disrupt batters’ rhythm. His economy rate across the last two IPL seasons was reported at 8.41, comparing favourably with the corresponding figures for several established spinners. Kartik believes these performances deserve consideration regardless of the all-rounder’s age. During a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, he said players who were performing well should remain in contention and argued that selectors should focus on present contributions rather than looking too far into the future. He also highlighted Krunal’s contribution to RCB’s title-winning campaign, when the all-rounder was named Player of the Match in the final.
Kartik also pointed to the importance of building pressure rather than judging a T20 bowler solely by the number of wickets taken. With fielding restrictions and attacking batting approaches limiting conventional opportunities, control, variation and tactical awareness can be equally valuable. Krunal’s contribution extends beyond bowling, with his competitiveness and willingness to take responsibility adding to his appeal. He scored 226 runs last season at a strike rate of 145.80, hitting 20 fours and 11 sixes. His performance during RCB’s campaign in Raipur, despite dealing with cramps and blows to the body, also underlined his determination to contribute under pressure. Kartik described him as a smart and combative cricketer whose intensity could benefit a team in demanding situations.
The biggest obstacle to Krunal’s return is likely to be Axar Patel, who has established himself as an important part of India’s T20 combination. Axar offers left-arm spin, powerplay control, wicket-taking ability and useful lower-order batting. His reported record of 31 wickets in 27 matches this year further strengthens his position. Kartik said Axar’s effectiveness with the new ball makes it difficult to replace him with another similar left-arm spinning all-rounder. India also have Washington Sundar as an off-spin option, while Naman Dhir has emerged as another potential off-spinning all-rounder. These choices mean Krunal would need to offer a distinct advantage or fit a specific requirement in the team’s balance.
Krunal’s experience, recent performances and ability to contribute in multiple departments give him a credible case for consideration, but an international comeback is not guaranteed. The selectors must decide whether his skills address a need that the current combination cannot adequately fill. Axar’s established role and the availability of alternative all-rounders make competition particularly strong, even if Krunal continues to perform well in the IPL. Nevertheless, Gavaskar’s emphasis on merit and Kartik’s support for judging players by their present form suggest that age alone should not rule him out. Like Bhuvneshwar, Krunal could return to the national conversation through sustained performances, provided the selectors see a clear role for him in India’s plans.