Krunal Pandya eyes Team India return for 2027 ODI WC:Badrinath clarifies ‘let him die there’ remark on live TV during RCB vs MI match

Krunal Pandya is laser-focused on making a return to Team India after his impressive performances for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026. The all-rounder played a pivotal role in RCB winning the title last year and has made his presence felt this season as well. Krunal came up with one of the best performances of his IPL career in recent times, against the Mumbai Indians in Raipur. Chasing 167 in what turned out to be a tricky contest, Pandya top-scored with 73 runs off 46 balls, helping the defending champions eventually come out on top. ‘Goal is to play for the country’ Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Krunal said that his desire to wear the India colours has not died down yet, while mentioning the upcoming ODI World Cup next year, which is slated to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. “When I was a kid of 6-7 years of age, I wanted to play for the country. Still, it has not changed. 100 per cent, the goal is to play for the country. The next year, we have a World Cup coming. I hope to keep doing well, fingers crossed. Let us hope that I get that opportunity. It would be special for me and my family,” he said, while speaking to reporters. Krunal’s last appearance for India was way back in a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2021. This IPL season, Pandya has 141 runs in 11 matches, with a strike rate of 150. The all-rounder has played five ODIs, where he has scored 130 runs in four innings and a best score of 58*, an innings where he scored the fastest fifty by an Indian on ODI debut. With the ball, he has picked up five wickets. Subramaniam Badrinath clarifies ‘let him die there’ comment Former cricketer S Badrinath came out with a clarification on his ‘let him die there’ comment, which he made on live TV during the RCB vs MI match. The ex-Chennai Super Kings star received flak for his remarks on TV and he issued an explanation on X. Badrinath’s comments came while he was on Tamil commentary at a time when Krunal was struggling with cramps during the second innings. The 45-year-old said that he was applauding Ryan Rickelton for coming out to Krunal’s aid when the latter was struggling. “Let him die there”… that’s not going to be my attitude. I will go and stretch him. Great gesture from Ryan Rickelton.. Fair Play points should be given to him and MI for that,” he wrote on X.