India’s decision to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the T20I setup after almost four years has raised an important question: should age matter when a player is still performing well?

The veteran fast bowler was added to India’s squad for the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury. Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022, and his return has given hope to other players who are still waiting for another chance at the international level.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has now backed another experienced cricketer for a possible comeback. The batting great believes Krunal Pandya deserves consideration, pointing to his skills with both bat and ball, his sharp cricketing mind and his ability to contribute in different situations.

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Sunil Gavaskar Explains Why Krunal Pandya Deserves Another Chance

Krunal, 35, last represented India in July 2021. Since then, he has continued to play domestic cricket for Baroda and has remained active in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Gavaskar believes Krunal’s understanding of the game makes him a valuable player. While he may not get a lot of turn with the ball, the all-rounder uses changes in line and length to trouble batters.

“Outstanding cricketer, really one of the smart cricketers that we’ve. Somebody you see his bowling. He’s not a big turner of the ball, but he mixes his line, mixes his lengths so smartly, he reads the batter’s mind, bowls at the pads. You’ve seen him bowl the odd bouncer as well, so he’s always thinking and plotting against the batter, if not to get him out, at least to restrict him,” Gavaskar told JioStar.

Krunal Pandya’s IPL Numbers Strengthen His Case

Krunal’s performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the last two IPL seasons have given him a strong case for consideration.

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He picked up 17 wickets in 15 matches during the 2025 season, helping RCB win their maiden IPL title. He followed that with another 14 wickets in 16 matches in 2026, taking his tally to 31 wickets across the two seasons.

His batting has also improved. Krunal scored 109 runs in seven innings in 2025 before finishing the 2026 season with 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80.

Those numbers highlight his ability to contribute in both departments. He can bowl important overs, add runs in the middle and lower order, and provide athletic fielding when needed.

Krunal is also a five-time IPL champion, having won three titles with Mumbai Indians and two with RCB. His experience of playing in successful teams could be another advantage if the selectors consider him for a return to the national side.

Gavaskar Says Age Should Not Decide India’s World Cup Squad

Gavaskar believes the selectors should focus on performances and fitness rather than a player’s age when picking a team for major tournaments.

According to him, players who continue to perform in the IPL and domestic cricket should remain in contention for India, regardless of how old they are.

“And then as a batter, as a fielder in the deep, he’s an outstanding cricketer and I do believe that if you want to win the World Cups, you just go with the guys who you think will win the World Cup. Don’t look at their age. That’s not the point. If they’re playing in the IPL, they’re fit. If they’re playing, domestic cricket, they are fit and if they’ve performed in that, you pick them in the India team. That’s how you should go about it,” Gavaskar said.

With Bhuvneshwar back in the picture, Gavaskar’s comments have brought Krunal’s name into the conversation. Whether the all-rounder gets another opportunity with India remains to be seen, but his recent IPL performances have given selectors something to consider.


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