Krunal Pandya denied India recall by Gautam Gambhir for South Africa T20Is after Axar Patel gets ruled out

Krunal Pandya denied India recall by Gautam Gambhir for South Africa T20Is after Axar Patel gets ruled out

Indian Coach Gambhir Snubs Pandya Again Despite Axar Patel’s Injury

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has once again overlooked Krunal Pandya for a spot in the national team, despite a golden opportunity arising in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa. The talented spin-bowling all-rounder had a stellar season with RCB in the IPL 2025 and continued to shine for Baroda in domestic cricket. However, Gambhir opted to replace the injured Axar Patel with Bengal all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed instead.

Krunal Pandya’s Missed Opportunity

Both Krunal Pandya and Axar Patel are slow left-arm orthodox spinners known for their handy batting skills in the lower order. With Patel ruled out of the remaining T20I series due to illness, Pandya seemed like the perfect replacement. However, Gambhir’s decision to go with Ahmed instead has raised eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity.

Despite Axar Patel’s absence opening the door for Pandya, the selectors opted for Shahbaz Ahmed as a like-for-like replacement. Ahmed, although not in outstanding form in domestic cricket, has been given the chance to prove his worth in the national team.

The Surprise Call

Shahbaz Ahmed, a 31-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder, has represented India in five international matches so far. His last T20I appearance was in 2023, and he last donned the Indian colors during the Asian Games in October 2023. Despite his moderate performance in domestic cricket, Ahmed has been chosen over Krunal Pandya, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s IPL title triumph in June 2025.

Updated Indian Squad

With the addition of Shahbaz Ahmed, India’s squad for the last two T20Is against South Africa now includes players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. The team currently leads the T20I series 2-1, and the focus will be on sealing another series win under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

After the fourth T20I in Lucknow, both teams will head to Ahmedabad for the fifth and final match of the series. Gambhir and the Indian team will be looking to maintain their lead and emerge victorious against a strong South African side.

Despite the disappointment for Krunal Pandya, the spotlight is now on Shahbaz Ahmed as he gets ready to make his mark in the national team and prove Gambhir’s decision right.

Shahbaz Ahmed’s Chance to Shine

Shahbaz Ahmed’s call-up to the Indian team comes at a crucial juncture in his career. Despite not being a regular fixture in the national squad, the all-rounder has the opportunity to showcase his skills and cement his place in the team. Known for his deceptive spin bowling and ability to contribute with the bat, Ahmed will look to make the most of his chance against South Africa.

Having represented Bengal in domestic cricket, Shahbaz Ahmed has shown glimpses of his potential with both bat and ball. His selection over Krunal Pandya indicates that the Indian team management sees something special in Ahmed and believes he can deliver when it matters the most.

Gambhir’s Vision for the Team

Gautam Gambhir’s decision to opt for Shahbaz Ahmed instead of Krunal Pandya highlights the coach’s strategic thinking and long-term vision for the Indian team. While Pandya has been in impressive form recently, Gambhir seems to be looking at building depth in the squad by giving opportunities to players like Ahmed.

By backing players like Shahbaz Ahmed, Gambhir is sending a message to the rest of the team that performance and consistency are key factors in team selection. The competition for spots in the national team is fierce, and every player must be at the top of their game to secure a place in the playing XI.

The Road Ahead for Krunal Pandya

Despite being overlooked once again, Krunal Pandya will need to stay focused and continue performing well in domestic cricket to catch the selectors’ eye. With several important series coming up for India, including the T20 World Cup, Pandya’s chances of making a comeback to the national team are not entirely ruled out.

Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the shorter formats of the game. If he can maintain his consistency and put up strong performances, there is a good chance that he will find his way back into the Indian team sooner rather than later.

Team India’s Winning Formula

As Team India gears up for the remaining T20I matches against South Africa, the focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum and clinching the series. With a blend of experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya along with exciting young talents like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, the Indian team looks well-equipped to take on the Proteas.

Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, who has impressed with his aggressive batting and tactical acumen, India will look to dominate the opposition and showcase their prowess in the shortest format of the game. The team spirit and camaraderie within the squad will play a crucial role in their quest for success against a formidable South African side.

In Conclusion

While Krunal Pandya’s omission may have raised a few eyebrows, Shahbaz Ahmed’s inclusion offers a fresh perspective and a new challenge for the Indian team. As the T20I series progresses, all eyes will be on how Ahmed performs and whether he can justify the selectors’ faith in him. The competition within the team bodes well for Indian cricket, as it ensures that only the best and most deserving players get the opportunity to represent the country at the highest level.

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