![Fans React As Krunal Pandya Ignored for Afghanistan series [Source: AFP, X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1788266148413_KrunalPandyaIndia.jpg?type=hq)
Fans React As Krunal Pandya Ignored for Afghanistan series [Source: AFP, X]
The BCCI officially unveiled the squad for India’s upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. However, despite strong speculation, all-rounder Krunal Pandya failed to get a spot, thus triggering a big debate on social media.
India is set to play a three-game T20I series against Afghanistan from September 13. With just two weeks to go for the series, the board announced a 15-member squad led by captain Shreyas Iyer.
Krunal Pandya snubbed from India vs Afghanistan T20Is, fans upset
Interestingly, a few days ago, TOI reported that Krunal Pandya’s name is being discussed for the Afghanistan T20I series. Apparently, the selectors lost faith in Axar Patel after his string of underwhelming performances.
He was also sacked as vice-captain earlier this year. And to replace him, Krunal reportedly emerged as a strong candidate. The all-rounder helped RCB win back-to-back IPL titles and delivered multiple match-winning spells and innings.
However, despite the rumours, Krunal Pandya has failed to make a comeback. The selectors ignored him and chose to retain faith in Axar. But fans on social media were upset. Many felt that Krunal deserved a second chance owing to his recent form.
"In any universe, u can't convince me that Washington deserves the place in T20 squad in big 2026. Krunal Pandya is 1000 times better player for T20. Washington is utter trash in t20s, believe it or not - it's the truth." - @TactixHub
"Why not krunal pandya yrr , he delivered a two back to back ipl title season this is unfair to him ?" - @HansrajTha59139
"Why everytime washington sundar takes a place in india's T20 squad. No performance in his entire career. But then why krunal pandya is regularly ignored by selectors 😭😭" - @SabirSingh75263
Also Read - Krunal Pandya's Record For India Vs RCB Compared Amid T20I Return Talks
When did Krunal last play for India?
Krunal Pandya last donned the Indian jersey in the 2021 Sri Lanka series. He has played 5 ODIs and 19 T20Is for India, picking up 2 and 15 wickets respectively, including a four-wicket-haul in the 20-over format.
However, due to incessant competition, he faded away. Yet, Krunal kept on sweating hard in domestic cricket and in the IPL. In the 2026 IPL edition, scalped 14 wickets and also scored 226 runs.
Moreover, his selection made sense for the Afghanistan series as Washington Sundar is not completely fit. His availability is subject to fitness clearance, and hence it was reasonable to add a fully fit Krunal Pandya over Sundar to avoid uncertainty that will eventually hamper the team’s plans.
Krunal Pandya’s snub a blessing for RCB
Meanwhile, RCB will not mind Krunal Pandya’s snub at all because it opens up an opportunity to retain him as an uncapped player if they retain him for IPL 2028 auction.
According to IPL rules, a player who has not played international cricket for a period of five years is eligible to be retained as an uncapped player. CSK were the first franchise to use this when they retained MS Dhoni as an uncapped player in 2025.
Now, since Krunal Pandya represented India in 2021, he is eligible to feature in the uncapped category from 2027. Needless to say, RCB will utilise this exception to save some money and ensure Pandya doesn't leave anywhere in the mega auction.
Also Read - India T20 Squad vs Afghanistan Announced, Hardik Pandya Out
