Overview
- Krunal Pandya said on Thursday he remains hopeful of returning to the India team after nearly five years away from international cricket.
- He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and took 14 wickets at an economy of 8.41 in IPL 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the title.
- Pandya last represented India in a T20I in Colombo on July 25, 2021, creating a five-year gap that selectors must weigh against his present form.
- He told reporters that he has stopped obsessing over selection and now concentrates on performing and enjoying the game.
- Any recall would depend on selectors judging his all‑round role, team balance and age, so his IPL resurgence gives a clear case to monitor ahead of future limited‑overs squads.