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‘Hope Is Still Alive’: Krunal Pandya’s Cryptic Post After India Snub Gets Fans Talking Is a Comeback Still Possible?
Despite an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Krunal Pandya has missed out on India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. His message soon after the announcement, however, suggests the 35-year-old has not given up on wearing the India jersey again.
Krunal Pandya Breaks Silence After India Squad Snub
Krunal Pandya has seemingly sent a clear message after missing out on India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan — he is not giving up on an international comeback just yet.
Shortly after the squad announcement, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder shared a short but intriguing Instagram Story.
“Hope is still alive,” Krunal wrote, accompanying the words with a crossed-fingers emoji and the Indian flag.
He did not explicitly mention the squad announcement, the selectors or his omission. However, the timing of the post quickly attracted attention, particularly because there had been speculation that Krunal could return to the national setup.
For a player who has not represented India since 2021, those four words carried plenty of meaning.
Why Was Krunal Being Discussed for an India Return?
Krunal’s name had returned to the conversation largely because of his performances for RCB during IPL 2026.
The 35-year-old played an important role as Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown, contributing with both bat and his left-arm spin.
Krunal scored 226 runs in nine innings during the season at an impressive strike rate of 145.80.
He was equally useful with the ball, picking up 14 wickets and providing RCB with the kind of balance that makes spin-bowling all-rounders particularly valuable in T20 cricket.
Those performances prompted renewed discussion over whether the experienced all-rounder deserved another opportunity with India.
The selectors ultimately looked elsewhere.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar Get the Nod
For the Afghanistan series, India have selected Axar Patel and Washington Sundar among their principal spin-bowling all-rounder options.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube provide additional all-round depth.
That left no place for Krunal despite his IPL form.
Selection competition is particularly intense because India already have several players capable of contributing in multiple departments, making it difficult for an experienced player to break back into the side after five years away.
But Krunal’s social media message indicates that he believes the door has not completely closed.
Krunal Hasn’t Played for India Since 2021
Krunal’s international absence has been lengthy.
His last appearance for Team India came in 2021, although he has previously represented the country in both T20I and ODI cricket.
The left-hander has played 19 T20 internationals, scoring 124 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 130.52.
With his left-arm spin, Krunal has collected 15 T20I wickets, with career-best figures of 4/36.
His international record also includes five ODIs, in which he has scored 130 runs and taken two wickets. His highest ODI score is an unbeaten 58.
The question is whether his recent domestic and IPL performances can eventually earn him another chance to add to those numbers.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead India Against Afghanistan
India’s three-match series against Afghanistan will be played entirely in New Delhi, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17.
Shreyas Iyer will captain the side.
Another major talking point is the return of Jasprit Bumrah, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
India’s batting group includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, giving the selectors an interesting mixture of established performers and younger talent.
The pace department features Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah and Harshit Rana.
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Asian Games Come Immediately After Afghanistan Series
The Afghanistan series will also serve as important preparation for India’s next assignment.
After completing the three T20Is in New Delhi, Shreyas and his teammates are scheduled to travel to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games.
India will enter the competition as defending champions after winning men’s cricket gold at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
That makes the Afghanistan series particularly important for players looking to establish form and secure their positions before the continental event.
India’s women’s team will similarly be looking to defend its Asian Games title after completing its ongoing ACC Women’s Asia Cup campaign in the UAE.
Can Krunal Pandya Still Make an India Comeback at 35?
Age inevitably makes Krunal’s comeback challenge more difficult — but his IPL numbers show that he remains capable of producing impactful T20 performances.
His greatest advantage is also obvious.
Krunal offers something selectors consistently value in the shortest format: a left-handed batter who can score quickly and provide reliable left-arm spin.
But India already have Axar and Washington competing in broadly similar roles, while younger all-rounders are also being developed with future tournaments in mind.
That means strong performances alone may not be enough. Krunal would need sustained form — and potentially an opening created by changes in form, fitness or team combination.
For now, India’s selectors have made their decision.
Krunal appears to have made his too.
Five years after his last international appearance, “hope is still alive” — and the RCB all-rounder clearly isn’t ready to close the door on Team India yet.
