BCCI considering Krunal Pandya's India comeback in upcoming Afghanistan T20Is: Reports

Baroda and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya is back on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s radar for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. According to reports, the selectors have discussed his name as a possible replacement for Axar Patel, whose recent form has been disappointing.

Krunal has been in excellent form in the IPL and played an important role in RCB’s two title-winning campaigns. Despite his strong performances, he has remained away from the Indian team. Now, the 35-year-old all-rounder could make his return to the national side during the Afghanistan T20I series in September, almost five years after his last appearance for India.

The need for a replacement has emerged as the Shreyas Iyer-led team looks to strengthen its left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder option. Since Ravindra Jadeja retired from the format, Axar Patel has taken up the role, but his recent performances have not been convincing enough. Krunal could now be considered as a like-for-like option for the position.

Why Krunal Pandya, not Axar Patel? Here's what's driving the selectors' rethink

Axar Patel’s recent performances could be one of the main reasons behind the selectors’ rethink. He featured in all seven T20Is during India’s tours of England and Ireland but managed only 4 wickets. He took 2 wickets in 5 matches against England and 2 in 2 games against Ireland, while also struggling with an economy rate of 11.14 in the England series.

Krunal Pandya, meanwhile, has improved his batting and become a more useful all-round option. He scored 226 runs in 9 matches during IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 145.80. Royal Challengers Bengaluru also trusted him to bat higher in the order, and he responded with important contributions. His recent form could give him an advantage in the selectors’ plans.

However, Krunal’s return does not necessarily mean Axar will be dropped. Both players offer different options, and India could consider selecting both depending on the conditions and opposition. With the Asian Games and a home series against the West Indies also coming up, the selectors have several factors to consider before finalising the squad.