Krunal Pandya Posts After India Afghanistan T20I Squad Snub

Krunal Pandya has shared a hopeful social media message after being left out of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi. The all-rounder posted, “Hope is still alive,” alongside a crossed-fingers emoji and an India flag emoji after the squad announcement.

There had been media speculation that Krunal could return to India colours for the three-match series, but his name did not feature in the selected group. The Afghanistan T20Is are scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi.

The post has drawn attention because Krunal has not played for India since 2021. His message did not directly address the selection decision, but it underlined his continued ambition to return to the international setup.

Krunal’s record and recent domestic form

Krunal has represented India in five matches and batted in four innings, making 130 runs at an average of 65.00 and a strike rate of 101.56. His record includes one half-century, with an unbeaten 58 as his highest score, while he has also taken two wickets.

In T20 internationals, Krunal has played 19 matches for India. He has scored 124 runs in 10 innings at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate of 130.52, with an unbeaten 26 as his highest score. With the ball, he has taken 15 wickets at an average of 36.93, and his best figures are 4/36.

His absence comes after productive IPL campaigns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In the IPL 2026 season, he made 226 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, including a top score of 73 and one fifty. He also claimed 14 wickets at an average of 30.35, with best bowling figures of 2/16.

The source also noted his role in Bengaluru’s previous title-winning season. Krunal was named Player of the Match in the final after returning 2/17 from four overs during the defence of 191. Across that campaign, he took 17 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 22.29, including best figures of 4/45. He added 109 runs in seven innings, with a highest score of 73 not out.

Those numbers provide the background to the interest around his potential India recall. However, India have selected other spin-bowling all-round options for the Afghanistan series, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar included. Sundar’s selection is subject to fitness.

India’s selected options for Afghanistan series

India’s squad will be led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma named vice-captain. The top order includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, while Shivam Dube is among the middle-order options.

Alongside Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, India have selected Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-round option. The spin attack includes Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the squad subject to fitness clearance, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are also part of the pace group.

Bumrah last played internationally against England on July 16 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. He was later ruled out of the final ODI at Lord’s after an impact injury sustained while fielding in Cardiff, and he also missed India’s Test series in Sri Lanka.

For Krunal, the Afghanistan series will not provide the immediate return that had been discussed before selection. His brief social media post instead placed the focus on a longer-term objective: remaining in contention for another opportunity with India.