“Miles Ahead”: Ex-BCCI Selector claims Krunal Pandya offers more than Axar Patel – Kris Srikkanth Backs Krunal Pandya Over Axar Patel for India T20I Recall
A Resurgent Force in the IPL
The landscape of Indian T20 cricket is constantly evolving, and recent performances in the IPL 2026 playoffs have sparked a significant debate regarding team composition. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya has emerged as a central figure in this conversation, particularly after his stellar performance in the first Qualifier against the Gujarat Titans. His contribution of 43 runs and two crucial wickets played a pivotal role in RCB’s resounding 92-run victory.
Srikkanth’s Bold Assertion
Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, did not mince words when assessing the current state of Indian all-rounders. Srikkanth highlighted Krunal Pandya’s transformative impact on the RCB lineup, suggesting that the time is ripe for a national team comeback. According to Srikkanth, Pandya has evolved into the most effective all-rounder in the country, explicitly stating that he is currently “miles ahead” of Axar Patel in the T20 format.
“Krunal Pandya is the real catalyst for RCB with his all-around abilities. He deserves the Indian cap again. He played long back, but they dropped him. This is the right time to give him a chance again,” Srikkanth remarked. He further emphasized that a look back at the past two IPL seasons provides clear evidence of Pandya’s superior form and consistency.
The Match That Changed the Narrative
The Qualifier match itself served as a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. After Gujarat Titans elected to field, RCB’s batting order dismantled the opposition. While Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal provided an explosive start with a 72-run partnership in just six overs, the middle order ensured the momentum never shifted. Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 off 33 balls was the highlight, but Krunal Pandya’s steadying influence alongside him provided the necessary balance to reach a record-breaking total of 254.
The Gujarat Titans’ response was lackluster, as they lost five wickets during the powerplay. Krunal Pandya’s bowling efficiency, combined with contributions from Jacob Duffy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasikh Salam, ensured that the outcome was never in doubt. For Srikkanth, this comprehensive win was a testament to the aggressive mindset instilled in the current RCB squad.
Why Pandya Deserves Consideration
Statistical evidence supports the argument for Pandya’s inclusion. Throughout the current IPL season, he has functioned effectively as a floater in the batting order. His numbers in 15 matches are impressive: 225 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 147. Complementing his batting, he has been a reliable source of wickets, claiming 13 scalps at an economy rate of 8.64. These metrics underscore his utility as a genuine three-dimensional player.
Looking Ahead
Kris Srikkanth believes that the current selection policy should prioritize players who can perform under high-pressure scenarios, as demonstrated by the RCB contingent during the playoffs. Alongside Krunal Pandya, Srikkanth also advocated for the inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rajat Patidar in the national side. Whether the national selectors will heed this call remains to be seen, but Krunal Pandya’s performance has certainly created a compelling case that is difficult to ignore. As the T20 landscape shifts toward more versatile players, the debate between established names like Axar Patel and resurgent performers like Pandya is set to intensify.
