No Shami, Sunil Gavaskar tips RCB star to return to Indian team Bhuvi-style

Ever since Bhuvneshwar Kumar managed to return to the Indian team, all eyes have been on Mohammed Shami. Bhuvneshwar ended the 1,425-day wait for his return to India, though in washed out Bengaluru T20I against West Indies. However, it was a signal that the selectors are looking for experienced options to be back in the squad.

India vs West Indies 5th T20I: MAIN | SCORECARD

This led to speculation whether Shami could be the next to make a Bhuvi-style comeback to the Indian team. However, Sunil Gavaskar had the T20I squad in mind and felt that another RCB star should be next in line for his Indian comeback. And it is none other than Krunal Pandya.

The all-rounder was a vital cog in Bengaluru’s 2025 and 2026 IPL title wins, contributing at crucial junctures with both bat and ball.

During the 2026 season, Krunal took 14 wickets from 16 matches at an average of 30.35 and an economy rate of 8.45. He scored 226 runs with the bat, including a match-winning fifty against his former side Mumbai Indians.

In an interview with JioStar after the match, Gavaskar pointed out how Krunal is a smart cricketer, especially with the ball. The Indians legend pointed out that the all-rounder is smart enough to limit the batting, stop the run flow and pick wickets.

“Excellent cricketer, really one of the smart cricketers we have. Someone who sees his bowling. He’s not a big turner but he mixes his line, mixes his lengths so cleverly, reads the batsman’s mind, throws balls on the pads. You’ve seen him bowl the odd bouncer to always make him think, so at least he tries to restrict him,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar praised Krunal’s batting and fielding and said that if India are targeting the World Cup, then they should pick players who fit the bill, regardless of age.

“And then as a batsman, as a fielder, he’s an outstanding cricketer and I believe if you want to win the World Cup, you just go with the guys you think are going to win the World Cup.”

“Don’t look at their age. That’s not the point. If they play in the IPL, they’re fit. If they play domestic cricket, they’re fit, and if they’ve played in that, you pick them in the India team. That’s how you should go about it,” Gavaskar said.

Krunal last played for India in 2021 during the tour of Sri Lanka.

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