EXCLUSIVE| 'I am hopeful': RCB's Krunal Pandya sets sights on India comeback after five-year absence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya has said he remains hopeful of making an India comeback despite being out of the national side for almost five years.

Krunal, who played a key role in RCB's successful IPL 2026 title defence, contributed with both bat and ball during the season. He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and picked up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41 as RCB won their second consecutive IPL title.




The 34-year-old last represented India in a T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo on July 25, 2021. Since then, he has played in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants and RCB.

Speaking to Times of India, Krunal said representing India remains the biggest achievement for any cricketer.

"There is no better feeling than playing for the country. When I was six or seven years old, there was no IPL. The biggest dream for any cricketer was to play for India. I dreamt about it my entire life and got that opportunity in 2018. In the 18 games I played, I did decently well. I won a Man of the Match in Australia and New Zealand and a Man of the Series in the West Indies. I had a good run with the Indian team. Later, when I got another opportunity in One-day cricket, I did pretty well again."

While admitting that being out of the national side can be disappointing, Krunal said he tries not to focus too much on selection and instead reminds himself why he started playing cricket.

"I don’t think too much about selection now. Of course, I am human and there is disappointment at times. But, you have to remind yourself why you started playing cricket. I have immense love for the sport, and that’s what keeps me going."

Asked whether he still believes he can return to the Indian team, Krunal made it clear that the hope remains alive.

"Yeah, hope is always there, right? I am hopeful that I’ll get the opportunity again to play for the country. Fingers crossed, but I am hopeful."

Read the full interview here