“Miles Ahead”: Ex-BCCI Selector claims Krunal Pandya offers more than Axar Patel – Kris Srikkanth Backs Krunal Pandya Over Axar Patel for India T20I Return

The Case for Krunal Pandya’s International Comeback

The T20 landscape is constantly evolving, and with the recent conclusion of the IPL 2026 Qualifier, the debate regarding India’s best spin-bowling all-rounder has intensified. Former India Chief Selector Kris Srikkanth has ignited a significant discussion by advocating for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Krunal Pandya to make a return to the national setup. According to Srikkanth, Krunal’s recent form makes him an essential asset for the Indian T20I side, going as far as to label him ‘miles ahead’ of Axar Patel in the shortest format.

Dominance Against Gujarat Titans

Srikkanth’s comments followed a commanding display by RCB against the Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier. Krunal Pandya proved his worth as a genuine match-winner, contributing a crucial 43 runs with the bat and picking up 2 wickets to help steer his team to a resounding 92-run victory. The game showcased RCB’s aggressive batting philosophy, which dismantled the Gujarat bowling attack with clinical precision.

After early contributions from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, who stitched together a rapid 72-run partnership, Krunal Pandya anchored the middle order alongside skipper Rajat Patidar. While the start was cautious, the duo soon shifted gears. Patidar, who eventually smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, credited the partnership with Krunal for setting the platform. RCB finished with a formidable record total of 254, largely thanks to a blistering 114 runs scored in the final six overs.

Why Srikkanth Favors Pandya

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth emphasized that Krunal Pandya is the ‘real catalyst’ for RCB. He noted that the southpaw has been unfairly sidelined since his last T20I appearance in 2021. ‘Krunal Pandya is the real catalyst for RCB with his all-around abilities. He deserves the Indian cap again. He is suddenly miles ahead of Axar Patel in the T20 format. If you take the last two IPLs, he is miles ahead,’ Srikkanth stated.

The argument for Krunal rests on his versatility. Throughout the 2026 IPL season, he has functioned as a floater in the batting order, providing stability and acceleration as needed. In 15 matches, he has accumulated 225 runs at an impressive average of 45 and a strike rate of 147. His bowling has been equally effective, with 13 wickets to his name and an economy rate of 8.64, proving his reliability under pressure.

A Broader Shift in T20 Strategy

Beyond the individual praise for Pandya, Srikkanth lauded the collective mindset of the RCB squad. He pointed out that the current RCB lineup has adopted a ‘hammer the bowling’ approach, leaving opponents struggling for tactical responses. The demolition of the Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit served as a testament to this aggressive strategy, with the GT chase failing to gain any momentum after losing five wickets in the powerplay.

While the selection committee ultimately holds the keys to the squad, the statistical evidence provided by the tournament suggests that Krunal Pandya is indeed hitting a peak in his career. Alongside players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rajat Patidar, Srikkanth believes the time is ripe for a reshuffle in the Indian T20I roster.

Looking Ahead

As the international cricket calendar looms, the pressure on selectors to pick players based on current form is higher than ever. With Krunal Pandya consistently delivering with both bat and ball, his name is certainly going to be part of the selection discourse. Whether the board chooses to look past Axar Patel remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding India’s all-rounder depth has been revitalized by one of the game’s most respected voices.