Krunal Pandya posts Instagram message after omission from India squad for Afghanistan T20Is

Krunal Pandya reacted after being left out of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins on September 13, 2026, with all fixtures scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Selectors retained Axar Patel in the squad while Pandya was not included.

Pandya last represented India in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2021 and had been discussed as a possible returnee following strong performances in the Indian Premier League. India, the T20 World Cup champions, have struggled in recent series, losing 0-2 to Ireland and 0-4 to England while also winning a T20I series in Zimbabwe. Those mixed results drew attention from the selection panel, and The Times of India reported Pandya was in contention to replace Axar Patel for the Afghanistan series.

Reacting to the squad announcement, Pandya posted an Instagram story that read, "Hope is still alive." The same platform also showed the message, "Hope is still alive 🤞🇮🇳," on his Instagram story. Those posts followed the announcement that Axar Patel had been included in India’s side and Pandya had not been recalled.

Pandya has produced two back-to-back seasons in the IPL and won the title in consecutive years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Over the last two IPL seasons he has taken 31 wickets, with a bowling average of 18.68 and an economy rate of 8.33. He has adjusted his bowling in modern T20 cricket by adding several variations, including his bouncer.

Alongside his bowling, Pandya has contributed with the bat for RCB, producing match-winning performances at crucial moments. He has been described as a player who stands up in difficult situations and takes key wickets when required.

The India versus Afghanistan T20I series is scheduled to start on September 13, 2026, with all three matches played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.