{
  "id": 4667947,
  "title": "Why RCB Star Krunal Pandya Could Replace DC's Axar Patel In India T20I Squad Ahead Of Afghanistan Series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/why-rcb-star-krunal-pandya-could-replace-dcs-axar-patel-in-india-t20i",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:14:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/krunal-pandya-india-t20i-return-axar-patel-selection"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Royal Challengers Bengaluru star all-rounder Krunal Pandya might replace Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel in India's upcoming T20I squad for the Afghanistan series. Reports suggest the team management is considering Krunal as a possible alternative after Axar's recent performance on India's UK tour did not meet expectations. Krunal, an experienced left-arm spinner, last played for India in 2021 and has shown improvement in IPL performances since joining RCB. His dual role as a spinner and useful lower-order batsman makes him a potential candidate for the role currently held by Axar Patel. The decision on Krunal's inclusion remains to be seen, but if confirmed, he would be returning to the T20I setup more than five years after his last appearance.",
  "summary": "Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star all-rounder Krunal Pandya could be in contention for an India T20I comeback after more than five years. There are reports suggesting that the team management is considering him as a possible alternative to Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel. The development comes after Axar's recent run on India's UK tour reportedly failed to meet the selection…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}