Krunal Pandya’s Ambition to Return to the Indian National Team
Veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya has made it clear that his goal is to once again represent the Indian national team. The 35-year-old, known for his contributions to the Baroda cricket scene, showcased his skills in a crucial match between Royal Challengers (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur on Sunday night. Pandya played a pivotal role in RCB’s victory, scoring a match-winning 73 runs with the bat. His performance helped the defending IPL champions secure a two-wicket win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Pandya expressed his long-standing desire to play for the country. He said, “Since I was a young kid, I wanted to play for the national side. That hasn’t changed one bit. My 100% goal is to play for the country once more. There is a World Cup in 2027; fingers crossed, I want to keep doing well. Let us hope that chance comes, which would be special for my family and me.”
Pandya came into the innings in the sixth over, replacing skipper Rajat Patidar, who was dismissed for eight runs. Despite suffering from cramps later in the game, the veteran all-rounder continued to bat and brought his team within striking distance of a win. Ultimately, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam Dar ensured the victory in the last ball of the match.
Potential Recall to the Indian Side
With the IPL 2026 season drawing to a close, the Indian national team is set to face Afghanistan in a short home series featuring one Test and three ODI matches. This could present an opportunity for Krunal Pandya to make a return to the national side. Some senior players may be rested during this period, potentially opening the door for the 36-year-old to be selected.
Ravindra Jadeja, a key all-rounder for India, is currently the preferred choice in both the ODI and Test formats. If Pandya aims to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, he will need to compete with Jadeja for a spot in the squad. Pandya has previously represented the national team in five ODI games and 19 T20I matches, with his last appearance coming in 2021 against Sri Lanka.
Performance in IPL 2026
Following his impressive performances in the 2025 season that helped RCB secure their first IPL title, Krunal Pandya has been in good form this campaign. In the 11 games so far, he has scored 141 runs, surpassing the 109 he accumulated in the previous season.
On the bowling front, Pandya has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.7 runs per over. His ability to bowl faster balls and bouncers has added a new dimension to his game, with one delivery recorded at over 126 KPH, leaving many fans amazed.
Key Highlights from Pandya’s Performance
- Batting: Scored 73 runs in a crucial match, contributing significantly to RCB’s victory.
- Bowling: Took 10 wickets with an economy rate of 8.7 runs per over.
- Innovation: Introduced faster deliveries and bouncers, enhancing his bowling repertoire.
- Resilience: Continued to bat despite cramps, showing determination and commitment.
Krunal Pandya’s recent performances have demonstrated his value to the team and his potential to make a strong case for a recall to the Indian national side. As the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches, his journey will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.
