“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
The Case for Krunal Pandya’s Comeback
In a bold assessment following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 1, former India Chief Selector Kris Srikkanth has called for the immediate return of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya to the national T20I setup. Srikkanth, known for his forthright views on cricket, believes that the younger Pandya brother brings a unique tactical edge that the current Indian side requires.
A Commanding Performance Against Gujarat Titans
The impetus for Srikkanth’s comments came after RCB’s emphatic 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans. In a high-stakes match, Krunal Pandya showcased his immense value with both bat and ball, scoring 43 runs and claiming 2 crucial wickets. His performance was instrumental in RCB posting a massive total of 254 runs, a record-breaking score that effectively dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ hopes of reaching the final directly.
The match saw a collective batting masterclass from RCB. While Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal set a blistering pace early on, it was the partnership between Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya that truly defined the innings. Patidar, who struck an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, credited his ability to express himself to the stability provided by players like Pandya in the middle order. The duo added 95 runs together, putting the Gujarat bowling attack to the sword during the death overs.
Srikkanth: ‘Miles Ahead’ of Axar Patel
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was unequivocal in his endorsement of Pandya. He argued that based on the metrics from the last two IPL seasons, Krunal Pandya has outperformed 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,’ Srikkanth stated. He further added, ‘He is suddenly miles ahead of Axar Patel in the T20 format. If you take the last two IPLs, he is miles ahead.’
Srikkanth’s argument centers on the versatility that Pandya brings as a floater in the batting order and his consistent ability to bowl economical overs while picking up key wickets during the middle phase of the game.
Analyzing the Numbers
Pandya’s statistics in IPL 2026 support the high praise he has received. In 15 matches, he has accumulated 225 runs, maintaining an impressive average of 45 and a strike rate of 147. His contribution with the ball has been equally vital, with 13 wickets at an economy rate of 8.64. By being used as a flexible batting option, he has consistently provided stability to the RCB lineup.
The Broader Context of RCB’s Dominance
Beyond individual performances, Srikkanth praised the aggressive mindset adopted by the entire RCB squad. He noted that the team has adopted a philosophy of relentless attack, regardless of the opposition or match situation. ‘The RCB batters are demolishing the bowling in such a way that the bowling side and the bowling captain don’t know what to do,’ he remarked.
While Gujarat Titans’ chase was characterized by a lack of substance—highlighted by an early collapse and Sai Sudharsan’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal—RCB’s bowling unit, led by Jacob Duffy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya, remained disciplined. This level of comprehensive performance is what Srikkanth believes should act as the blueprint for the national selectors as they look to build a robust T20I squad for future challenges.
As the conversation regarding India’s T20I composition continues, it remains to be seen whether the selectors will heed Srikkanth’s advice. However, there is no denying that Krunal Pandya’s form has made him a compelling case for consideration.
