T20 World Cup 2021: Predicting 5 surprising inclusions in India's squad

3. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has already played 19 T20Is for India and in them, he has shown his capabilities to deliver with the bat and with the ball. The senior Pandya is someone who is a bit of both, but a lot more trustable. With the ball, he presents unique challenges, taking the ball away from the right-hander, the low trajectory of bounce with low arm action and as a bowler, his lines are tight. 

A couple of years ago, whatever he was offering, no one else could. Well, maybe, Ravindra Jadeja. But, until the last two years, the Saurashtra all-rounder’s numbers in T20 cricket weren’t too good. However, that has changed completely. Now, if there is a toss-up between Jadeja and Krunal, maybe the former will get a nod. 

However, where Krunal takes the cake is his big-match temperament and ability to adapt. Even though Jadeja is versatile, Krunal is someone who has been tried and tested in various roles. Bat at no. 3, check. Bat to hit and bat to save the innings, check. Bowl in the powerplay, check. Bowl at the death, check. And bowl bouncers at batsmen, double-check. Well, the last one is not something that will get him on the side, but all get the point. Having said all of that, Krunal is a brilliant ‘like for like’ replacement for Jadeja and might just get in because of that.