Kolkata : IPL 2025, kind of redemption for a forgotten all-rounder – Krunal Pandya.
While his younger brother Hardik Pandya is currently an icon for team India, winning consecutive ICC Trophies, the elder brother Krunal last played for India in 2021, & since then is playing domestic and IPL without being watched by Indian selectors. However, he has written a new script for comeback in IPL 2025.
Krunal, being picked by RCB has been breathing fire with the Ball since beginning of IPL 2025, picking 13 wickets in 10 matches, including notable performances like 3-fer against KKR, 4-fer against MI, in both occasions, helping RCB to clinch historic victories.
However, after last night’s performance against DC, where Krunal picked a wicket and scored match winning 73* (47), where RCB were on verge of losing, he started knocking at the doors of selectors, as if saying “count me in”.
Krunal therefore as per reports is likely to replace Indian youngster leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the Indian T20I squad for Bangladesh tour.
Bishnoi despite being Number 7 in ICC T20I bowler’s ranking has seen a rough patch. He has been taken to cleaners, conceding 40+ runs in almost every matches and managed to pick just 9 wickets in IPL 2025. The sharp turn and wicket taking ability of Bishnoi seems faded.
His form in recently concluded T20I series against England was also miserable as he managed to pick 4 wickets in 5 match T20I series, going wicketless in 3 matches.
Why Krunal Pandya ahead of Ravi Bishnoi?
India will play 3 match T20I series against Bangladesh in their home soil which is a rank turner.
In those Pitches, in form Krunal can skid the Ball with pace and spin, as he recently developed variations like giving good yorkers and bouncers apart from offering off spin. He also adds depth in Batting order and can Bat at any position, scoring vital runs for team. This all round ability of him proves vital for any side he plays for. Besides this, he also has leadership qualities, experience and can guide Indian skipper Surya Kumar Yadav in different occasions.
On other hand, out of form Ravi Bishnoi could land India in trouble. The men in blue lost series against Bangladesh in last 2 occasions they visited the country. An out of form spinner going wicketless or getting hammered could add runs to the board on low scoring tracks, adding pressure to Batting lineup. Hence the replacement is being discussed as per reports.
Any official confirmation regarding Krunal replacing Bishnoi awaits.
