Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Krunal Pandya’s Cryptic Post Follows Afghanistan T20I Snub
Krunal Pandya wanted to play for India again, but he was not selected for the Afghanistan T20I series.
The series will have three matches and is scheduled to start in Delhi on September 13.
After the team was announced, Krunal posted, “Hope is still alive,” on Instagram.
He also used a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag.
Many people understood this as a message that he still hopes to return to India’s team.
Krunal last played international cricket in 2021.
He has recently performed well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and in domestic cricket.
The selectors chose Axar Patel and Washington Sundar instead, but Krunal’s post suggests he has not given up.
Krunal Pandya was omitted from India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
After the squad announcement, Pandya posted “Hope is still alive” with a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag.
Pandya last played for India in 2021 and has pursued a comeback through domestic cricket for Baroda.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 IPL season, he scored 226 runs and took 14 wickets.
Selectors chose Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as India’s spin-bowling all-rounder options.
- Who
- Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya, India’s selectors, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
- What
- Pandya was left out of India’s squad for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and posted a cryptic message afterward.
- When
- The squad was announced on Tuesday; the series is scheduled to begin on September 13, and Pandya posted his message after the announcement.
- Where
- The opening match is scheduled in Delhi; Pandya shared his message on Instagram.
- Why
- Selectors selected Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the spin-bowling all-rounder options despite Pandya’s recent performances.
Comeback Hope
Selection Decision
Meaning of Pandya’s post
Comeback Hope
The message was widely interpreted as showing that Pandya remains hopeful of earning another opportunity with India.
Selection Decision
Pandya did not directly mention his exclusion, so the post’s precise meaning was not confirmed.
Recent form versus squad choice
Comeback Hope
Pandya’s supporters can point to his 2026 IPL figures, domestic performances and continued work for Baroda as evidence supporting a possible comeback.
Selection Decision
The selectors chose Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the spin-bowling all-rounders for the Afghanistan series.
- Series
- Three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan
- Series start
- September 13
- Opening venue
- Delhi
- Pandya’s post
- “Hope is still alive,” accompanied by a fingers-crossed emoji and the Indian flag
- Last India appearance
- 2021
- 2026 IPL statistics
- 226 runs in nine innings at a 145.80 strike rate and 14 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- India T20I record
- 19 matches, 124 runs and 15 wickets; best bowling figures of 4/36
