Hardik Pandya And Krunal Pandya in Team India (Source: AFP & X.com/Hardik Pandya)
The star Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, is nearing a return to the national team after a six-month hiatus due to a quadriceps injury. According to the latest reports, Hardik is fast approaching full fitness and is all set to be picked for India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan next month.
On top of that, reports are also emerging around Hardik’s brother, Krunal Pandya’s, India comeback in the same Afghanistan series. Notably, due to Axar Patel’s dip in form since the IPL 2026, national selectors are now exploring options.
Thus, the elder Pandya brother, with a commendable run in the last two seasons of the Indian Premier League, has been considered the top name among the Indian contingent of left-arm spinners.
Why was Hardik Pandya out of Team India for so long?
Hardik Pandya last played for India in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand on March 8, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
For the unaware, the all-rounder had sustained a back injury back in June 2026, which forced his ouster from the three-game ODI series against Afghanistan.
Further, his injury scare continued when he sustained yet another injury in his quadriceps, ruling him out of India’s white-ball Tour to the UK in June-July.
However, according to fresh developments, Pandya has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is operating at full capacity as he works towards his return to international cricket.
What prompted India selectors to take a call on Krunal Pandya's India comeback after half a decade?
On the other hand, Krunal Pandya is also in contention to return to the Indian T20I side as management evaluates left-arm spin options. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder has reportedly emerged as a potential alternative to Axar Patel.
Patel’s recent performances for India have not produced the expected returns. On top of that, his IPL 2026 performance - 173 runs and 11 wickets in 14 games - further worsened his case.
Also read: Fact Check- Did Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya Reunite Amid Rift Rumours?
Thus, Pandya’s IPL campaign has brought him back into the selection conversation.
Krunal Pandya has been enjoying a highly productive run in the IPL over the past two seasons, 2025 and 2026. Since joining RCB in 2025, he has been their most effective spinner. He scalped 17 and 14 wickets in the IPL 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively.
Moreover, his ability to contribute with both ball and bat makes him an attractive option for India’s T20 setup.
Hence, both the brothers are once again in the talks to return to the Indian team for the Afghanistan T20Is in September. That being said, let’s take a look at when the last time Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya played together for India.
When was the last time both Pandya brothers featured in the Indian jersey together?
Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya last played together for India on July 20, 2021, during the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Talking about their performance in their last match together, both Hardik and Krunal had a moderate outing.
As India bowled first, Hardik finished with figures of 20 runs in 4 overs, while Krunal gave 37 runs in 8 overs. Though they went wicketless, the Pandya duo was certainly economical.
In the batting department, they had contrasting fortunes as Hardik was dismissed on a three-ball duck, while Krunal came to bat at fifth down and played a 35-run knock in 54 balls.
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