“Hope is still alive.” At 35, with an IPL title under his belt and a standout 2026 season for RCB, he’s defying the odds. 226 runs, 14 wickets; and still not in the squad. Why? Because India’s spin-allrounder spot is crowded. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube; they offer similar skills, and selectors are betting on continuity. Krunal’s numbers aren’t flashy on the international stage; only 19 T20Is since 2016. But his domestic form screams relevance. The real question isn’t whether he deserves a chance; it’s whether India is ready to break the mold for a player who’s proven he can deliver under pressure. His comeback isn’t dead. It’s just waiting for the right moment; and maybe, one unexpected injury or tactical shift.