Krunal Pandya set for India comeback; likely to replace THIS star in T20I team - Reports

Axar Patel’s recent dip in performance has forced Indian selectors to consider alternatives.

India’s recent T20I outings have prompted fresh discussions around the balance of their bowling attack. While the team continues to have several renowned players, the performance has taken a major dip in recent times, especially for the spin bowlers. The selectors have hence considered opening the gates to reassess certain roles ahead of India’s big T20I assignments. 

The left-arm spinner position continues to be an interesting area of development. India have traditionally valued left-arm spinners, especially when they can contribute handsomely with the bat. Axar Patel has been the first-choice all-rounder in shortest format due to his overwhelming contributions with the bat for India. 

However, results in Ireland and England have pointed out some loopholes in the team management that have allowed them to try new combinations of players who can immediately have an impact. Though Patel still remains a crucial part of India’s limited-overs setup, his recent performances have been very modest. 

Krunal Pandya emerges as an option for Team India in T20Is – Reports

Krunal Pandya, the left-arm spinner, as per reports in Times of India, has been discussed as a possible option for the spin-bowling all-rounder role. The all-rounder last represented India in a T20I series against Sri Lanka back in 2021. 

However, in recent times, he has often been discussed due to his impactful run in domestic cricket and impressive IPL performances. The 35-year-old enjoyed a stunning streak with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, as he finished the 2026 season with 14 wickets and 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.81. 

Krunal’s bowling figures were particularly notable, especially his economy, despite the demands of T20 cricket. Krunal’s experience also works in his favour, as he has played 19 T20Is for India and has 15 scalps to his name while adding 124 runs with the bat.

Axar Patel’s recent performance, especially with the ball in T20I cricket, has been very modest. He picked just four wickets in his last six T20I appearances for India, which came against Ireland and England. However, it could also be argued that the conditions did not promise much to the spinners in the two nations.

While India’s T20I setup continues to evolve under skipper Shreyas Iyer‘s leadership, the selectors now have a choice to try players like Krunal Pandya in the few upcoming months. India have several crucial T20I assignments scheduled against Afghanistan and the West Indies.

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