Krunal Pandya posts “Hope is still alive” after omission from India T20I squad for Afghanistan series

Krunal Pandya reacted to his omission from India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which is due to start at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 13, 2026, by posting an Instagram story that read "Hope is still alive 🤞🇮🇳".

Krunal last represented India in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2021 and had been mentioned as a possible returnee following strong performances in the Indian Premier League. Media reports, including from The Times of India, had suggested he was in contention to replace Axar Patel for the Afghanistan assignment.

When the Indian squad for the Afghanistan series was announced, Axar Patel was retained and Krunal was not selected for a return to the national side. In response to the selection news, Krunal posted the Instagram story quoting "Hope is still alive 🤞🇮🇳."

The Indian team, despite being T20 World Cup champions, arrived at the selection meeting on the back of uneven results: India lost 0-2 to Ireland and 0-4 to England in recent tours, and the coverage noted that several unwanted records and streaks were broken on those trips. The reporting also referenced that India had won a T20I series in Zimbabwe, while the losses in Ireland and England raised concerns for selectors.

Krunal’s recent domestic form in the IPL was presented as the reason he returned to selection conversations; he enjoyed two successive seasons in which his franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, won the title in consecutive years. Observers credited him with adapting his bowling and adding variations, including what the coverage described as his "famous bouncer."

Statistically, the coverage recorded that Krunal took 31 wickets across the last two IPL seasons, with a bowling average of 18.68 and an economy rate of 8.33. The report also noted his batting contributions, stating he had stepped up with the bat when RCB required it and had won matches for them in crucial moments.

The Afghanistan vs India T20I series remains scheduled to begin on September 13, 2026, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi; Krunal’s Instagram message positions him as a player still publicly expressing the desire to return to the national side.