Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Krunal Pandya Emerges as Axar Patel's Reported T20I Replacement Option
India is choosing players for its upcoming T20 cricket series against Afghanistan.
Krunal Pandya is reportedly one player being considered for the team.
He can bowl left-arm spin and also score runs with the bat.
This makes him a possible alternative to Axar Patel.
Axar has reportedly not performed as expected during India's recent UK tour.
Krunal has played well enough in the Indian Premier League to return to the discussion.
He last played for India in July 2021.
The selectors have not yet decided whether Krunal will join the squad or whether Axar will keep his place.
Krunal Pandya is reportedly being considered as cover for Axar Patel in India's T20I squad.
The all-rounder offers left-arm spin and lower-order batting, similar to Axar's role.
Krunal last played for India in a T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2021.
His recent Indian Premier League performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru have renewed selection interest.
India's three-match Afghanistan series is scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 in Delhi, but no decision has been announced.
- Who
- Krunal Pandya is reportedly being considered as an alternative to Axar Patel in India's T20I squad.
- What
- Indian selectors are assessing whether Krunal could provide cover for Axar ahead of the Afghanistan series.
- When
- The series is scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17; Krunal last played a T20I in July 2021.
- Where
- The matches are scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
- Why
- Krunal offers left-arm spin and lower-order batting, while Axar's recent UK-tour performances reportedly fell short of selection expectations.
Krunal Pandya's Case
Axar Patel's Case
Role and skills
Krunal Pandya's Case
Krunal can provide left-arm spin and useful runs lower down the order, giving selectors another all-round option.
Axar Patel's Case
Axar already occupies the role under consideration and may retain his place despite the reported concerns.
Recent form and experience
Krunal Pandya's Case
Krunal's Indian Premier League performances, including his contribution to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have brought him back into selection discussions.
Axar Patel's Case
Axar remains an established India option, and the report says Krunal's consideration does not necessarily mean Axar will be dropped.
Selection decision
Krunal Pandya's Case
A Krunal recall would give India additional cover before upcoming T20 assignments.
Axar Patel's Case
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not announced a change, so Axar's position remains unresolved.
- Reported replacement option
- Krunal Pandya
- Player potentially covered
- Axar Patel
- Krunal's last India T20I
- Against Sri Lanka in Colombo, July 2021
- Upcoming opponent
- Afghanistan
- Series schedule
- September 13, 15 and 17
- Venue
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Official decision
- None announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India