New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya posted a social media story expressing optimism for Team India return after the squad for the Afghanistan T20Is was announced on Tuesday.

While there were some speculation in the media that Krunal could make his return to Indian colours during the Afghanistan T20Is taking place in Delhi, he was not a part of the squad. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar (the latter being subject to fitness) are spin all-rounder options, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi are playing as specialist bowlers.

Posting on his Instagram handle, Krunal posted, "Hope is still alive" (with a fingers-crossed and India flag emoji).

Krunal Pandya last featured for India in 2021. In five matches and four in...