IPL 2018: Indian team hopefuls who have impressed so far this season

#5 Krunal Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Krunal Pandya has been one of the best players for Mumbai Indians this season

Matches:10, Runs:167, Average:27.83, Strike Rate:150.45, Fours:19, Sixes:6, Wickets:9, Strike Rate:18.0, Economy Rate:7.44

Krunal Pandya has been one of Mumbai Indians' most valuable players ever since he made it into the eleven in 2016.

He made a significant contribution in Mumbai's title win last year as he was named the Man of the Match in the final for a decisive all-round performance in a low scoring game.

MI were worried that Pandya came into the tournament with a lack of runs and wickets under his belt, but he has stepped up once again at critical moments.

He has contributed invaluable runs in the lower middle-order by giving the team the final push in the slog overs. He has chipped in with handy overs at a miserly economy rate.

The 26-year-old has shown his capability with both bat and ball, and he is a pretty decent fielder too.

The elder Pandya had outperformed his younger brother the past two seasons and hence it's a surprise that he hasn't been called up to play for India in the shortest format of the game.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar's failures in this IPL might just open the door for a maiden call-up to the national team against Ireland.