“Miles Ahead”: Ex-BCCI Selector claims Krunal Pandya offers more than Axar Patel – Kris Srikkanth Claims Krunal Pandya Outperforms Axar Patel in T20 Cricket
A Resurgent Force in T20 Cricket
The landscape of Indian T20 cricket is constantly shifting, and with the conclusion of the latest IPL qualifiers, fresh debates regarding team selection have surfaced. Former India Chief Selector Kris Srikkanth has emerged as a vocal proponent for the return of Krunal Pandya to the national set-up. Following a masterclass performance by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first Qualifier against the Gujarat Titans, Srikkanth did not mince words about who he believes deserves a spot in the Indian XI.
The Performance that Ignited the Debate
RCB’s dominating 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans was the catalyst for this discussion. After being sent in to bat, RCB posted a staggering total of 254 runs. While Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal provided an explosive start with a 72-run partnership, it was the middle-order grit provided by Krunal Pandya and Rajat Patidar that truly deflated the Gujarat bowling attack. Krunal played a vital role, contributing 43 runs, while Patidar hammered an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries.
The chase for the Titans was non-existent, with the team crumbling under pressure. Krunal Pandya was not just effective with the bat; he proved his worth with the ball as well, securing two crucial wickets as the Titans were dismantled by a disciplined RCB bowling unit, which included impressive spells from Jacob Duffy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasikh Salam.
Srikkanth: Krunal is Miles Ahead
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth analyzed the current state of Indian all-rounders. He argued that Krunal Pandya has been unfairly sidelined since his last T20I appearance in 2021. According to the former selector, the southpaw is currently the most effective all-rounder in the country, even suggesting he should replace Axar Patel in the T20I squad.
“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 stated. He further emphasized, “He is suddenly miles ahead of Axar Patel in the T20 format. If you take the last two IPLs, he’s miles ahead.”
Consistent Impact Throughout the Tournament
Srikkanth’s assertion is backed by the statistics of IPL 2026. Throughout the tournament, Krunal Pandya has been utilized as a versatile floater in the batting order, providing stability and aggression whenever required. Over 15 matches, he has accumulated 225 runs at an impressive average of 45 and a strike rate of 147, including a half-century. His bowling remains equally impactful, with 13 wickets in the bag at an economy rate of 8.64.
RCB’s Aggressive Brand of Cricket
Beyond the individual brilliance of Pandya, Srikkanth praised the collective mindset of the RCB squad. He noted that the team has adopted a fearless approach to batting, characterized by taking the opposition bowlers to the cleaners from the very first over. “The Kohli-Padikkal partnership was the key once again. Along with Patidar, Krunal Pandya also played a brilliant knock. From Kohli to everyone, they have decided to hammer the bowling come what may,” Srikkanth added.
The former selector concluded by noting that RCB’s aggressive strategy has left opposing captains scrambling for solutions, a testament to the tactical evolution the team has undergone this season. Whether the national selectors take note of Srikkanth’s endorsement remains to be seen, but Krunal Pandya’s recent form is impossible to ignore as India looks to build a robust squad for future T20I assignments.
