Krunal Pandya drops big hint after India overlook him for Afghanistan T20Is

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Krunal Pandya has responded to his omission from India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with a message that suggests he has not given up on his international ambitions. The experienced all-rounder took to Instagram shortly after the squad announcement, leaving fans to believe that he remains hopeful of earning another opportunity in Indian colours.

India’s selectors announced a 15-member squad for the Afghanistan series on September 1, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain and Tilak Varma as his deputy. The three T20Is will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17.

Krunal, however, was not part of the squad despite building a strong case through his performances in the Indian Premier League over the last two seasons. Reacting to the omission, the 35-year-old shared an Instagram Story with a brief but telling message: “Hope is still alive.”

The post quickly drew attention, particularly because Krunal’s recent domestic form has once again placed his name in conversations surrounding India’s T20 setup.

Krunal enjoyed two productive seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, becoming an important component of their campaign. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gave the team balance, while his experience allowed him to handle pressure in crucial situations.

Across the last two IPL seasons, Krunal claimed 31 wickets and also chipped in with useful runs. His performances played a role in RCB’s successful campaigns as the franchise went on to secure two IPL titles. That consistency has prompted sections of the cricketing community to question whether the all-rounder deserves another chance at international level.

Krunal has previously represented India in both T20Is and ODIs and was once viewed as a useful option in the limited-overs setup. However, his international career has been inactive for around five years, making a return increasingly difficult despite his recent IPL resurgence.

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The competition for places in India’s T20I squad has become particularly intense, with selectors having several multi-dimensional players to choose from. Krunal’s left-arm orthodox bowling and ability to bat in the middle order make him a different proposition, but his long absence from international cricket remains a significant factor.

India’s Afghanistan squad also comes with some uncertainty over player availability. Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar are all carrying fitness concerns following the recent England tour and will require clearance before taking part in the series.

For Krunal, the latest omission may be disappointing, but his Instagram message indicates that he is not ready to close the door on an India comeback. His performances in the IPL have ensured that his name remains relevant, and if he continues producing consistently, another opportunity could yet emerge. For now, Krunal appears willing to wait — and keep believing that his international chapter is not finished.

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