Krunal Pandya - (Source: X)After the Sri Lanka Tests, the focus has reverted to T20Is as India will next face Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series starting on September 11. The selectors are set to gather in the next few days to pick the squad. Following India’s humiliation in Ireland and England, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee is all set to take a few hard calls. RCB star Krunal Pandya is expected to return to the India set-up after 5 years after an impressive IPL 2026.Krunal Pandya Set For India Return, Axar Patel In TroubleA report from Sahil Malhotra of The Times of India stated that the selectors are unhappy with Axar Patel following an ordinary outing during the UK trip. Management is now exploring other left-arm spinners who are doing well, and Krunal Pandya tops the list.The 35-year-old has been a key contributor to RCB’s two titles in IPL 2025 and IPL 2026. Talking about his performance, Pandya scored 226 runs in 9 innings in IPL 2026 and picked up 14 wickets in 15 innings.On the other hand, Axar Patel had a poor IPL, scoring 173 runs in 11 innings and picking up 11 wickets in 13 innings. Further, Patel took just 4 wickets in 6 innings during the UK tour, amassing 48 runs.Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Participation Confirmed For Asian Games 2026Why Is Krunal Pandya's Return A Setback for RCB?Krunal Pandya's return to Indian team is a moment to rejoice for the RCB star who has been toiling for years in domestic cricket. However, if he features against Afghanistan, then it will be a huge setback for RCB.Notably, IPL has a rule in place that allows franchise to retain a capped star as an uncapped player if he has not played for India for over 5 years. Now since, Krunal's last India appearance came in July 2021, RCB had the chance to lower his salary by retaining him as an uncapped star in IPL 2028.At present, Krunal Pandya is getting 5.75 crores and in case, he doesn't play for India till IPL 2028, then RCB have the chance to retain him for just 4 crores.Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya set to reuniteBesides Krunal Pandya, the report from Times of India also mentioned that Hardik Pandya has regained full fitness and is available for selection against Afghanistan. Hardik has not played for India since T20 World Cup 2026 final."Both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya have been at the CoE for a very long time now and only take breaks for personal commitments," read the report.He has a quadricep injury and has been in CoE for a long time. However, he has regained fitness and all set to reunite with his brother in Indian colours after a long time.Also Read: BCCI Blocked From Changing India's T20 Squad for Asian Games 2026
