Krunal Pandya Eyes India Return Amid RCB Title Defense

Krunal Pandya, the 35-year-old left-arm spinner and all-rounder, is in his 11th Indian Premier League season with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he has become a key figure in their spin attack. He took 2/17 in the 2023 final, earning Player of the Match honors, and continues to push for a national team recall after last playing for India in July 2021, in a T20I against Sri Lanka.

Pandya, who has played 152 IPL matches since his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2016, attributes his longevity to continuous adaptation, improved fitness, and technical refinements such as a shorter stride and higher release point to generate bounce on flat pitches. These changes, he says, are the result of structured practice and physical conditioning rather than experimental flair.

He has bowled more bouncers than any other spinner in the IPL over the past two seasons, using the delivery as a tactical option to outthink batters despite limited turn on modern pitches. While he has had few batting opportunities in recent seasons, he remains focused on contributing whenever required.

Pandya, who has represented India in five ODIs and 19 T20Is, maintains that national selection remains a top priority, emphasizing consistent domestic and franchise performance as the foundation for a comeback. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.