Krunal Pandya has once again found himself in the spotlight after he was picked as a scratch for India’s T20I series against Afghanistan. The experienced all-rounder took to Instagram to comment on that and it has been a quick speculation among cricket fans. Krunal wrote “Hope is still alive” with a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag and posted it on Instagram.
Although Krunal did not specifically mention his exclusion from the squad on the post, it was when people linked it with his India comeback hopes. It was clear that the 35-year-old was not given up on representing the country again, despite being overlooked for the Afghanistan assignment.
Krunal’s omission was even more significant as his recent performances led to the idea of a possible India return. With the bat and ball he has come to the fore. His performances have also strengthened the idea he can still perform well at the international level (in the T20 format).
Krunal Pandya Misses Out On Afghanistan Series
India’s selectors have decided to go with other spin-bowling all-rounders for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The series will begin in Delhi on September 13 and the remaining games will form the basis for India’s preparations for the upcoming T20I commitments.
Krunal’s absence was a surprise to some fans who had been expecting his name to be in the squad. He had been away from the Indian international setup since 2021 but his recent performances put him back on the radar.
His all-rounder has already played international cricket and he has already shown that he can make a difference in the limited overs game. But Indian T20I players are already in competition for places in the squad - especially in the fields of different departments.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the spin-bowling all-rounder options for the Afghanistan series. Their established roles within India’s white-ball setup have given the selectors options who can contribute with both bat and ball.
A strong IPL season Keeps Comeback Hopes Alive.
Krunal’s case for a comeback is largely based on his IPL performance in 2026. He made the most out of Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the campaign and made consistent runs with the ball both on a daily basis and in the 2026 IPL.
The all-rounder scored 226 runs in nine innings at an impressive strike rate of 145.80. His quick scoring was another addition to his team's middle order and his left-arm spin added another dimension to his value.
Krunal took 14 wickets at the IPL with his performances, demonstrating that he can still get the best out of a T20 team even though he is one of the most experienced players in the domestic cricket.
His domestic form has also been good. Krunal has scored 130 runs in five games and four innings at an average of 65 and a strike rate of 101.56. The unbeaten 58 is also one of his best contributions in the campaign. He has also taken two wickets with the ball.
These numbers have inevitably led to renewed discussion on whether Krunal could make another appearance for India.
Being a veteran Campaigner still has international goals.
Krunal has played 19 T20s for India and has scored 124 runs and took 15 wickets. His best bowling figures in the format is 4/36. His international career has been in his slumber for some years now, but his performance is showing that he still wants to be a top talent.
If Krunal was to make a comeback, another game-changing career-changing comeback would mark another significant chapter in Krunal’s career. The competition for places in India’s T20I side is strong in the Indian team is also high as well, with several younger players also making strong claims for selection. So every opportunity in domestic cricket and franchise cricket is even more important for experienced players who wish to return.
The all-rounder’s ability to contribute in both departments could still be an advantage. T20 cricket frequently rewards players who can offer flexibility, and Krunal’s left-arm spin combined with his aggressive batting style gives him a different skill set from several other contenders.
What does Krunal’s Cryptic Post mean?
The slogan "Hope is still alive" has naturally generated a lot of talk among fans. It would be premature to interpret the post as a direct comment on his India selection ambitions but its timing has made fans uncomfortable not to remember the connection.
The Indian flag and fingers-crossed emoji added fuel to the speculation. The message could be a sign that Krunal is still hoping for another opportunity with Team India.
But selection decisions can change quickly in international cricket. Injuries, workload management, player form and team combinations will all affect future squads. And Krunal’s best answer could be to keep himself consistently and keep himself in the mix.
For now, the all-rounder is outside India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series. But his recent performances and his recent social media post have ensured that the discussion of an international comeback is unlikely to leave anytime soon.
Krunal’s “Hope is still alive” post may have been brief, but it has certainly sent a clear message to his supporters: he has not closed the door on India just yet.
