New Delhi, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian cricket team will be captained by all-rounder Krunal Pandya at the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2026. Initially, fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was slated to lead the squad. However, with Kumar’s selection for the national team’s tour of New Zealand starting on October 22, the leadership has shifted to Pandya.

In a notable change, Kulwant Khejroliya has been included in the team, taking Kumar’s place for the tournament. The Indian squad for the Hong Kong Sixes also features players such as Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, and T. Natarajan. This team boasts a mix of experience from the IPL and international cricket, making it well-balanced in both batting and bowling departments.

Anurag Bhatnagar, the Commercial and Marketing Director for Cricket Hong Kong, expressed, “We will certainly miss Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, but we are thrilled about his call-up to the national team. His return to international cricket after four years is a significant milestone, and we wish him all the best on the New Zealand tour. We look forward to welcoming him back at the Hong Kong Sixes in the future.”

The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 will take place from October 30 to November 1 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. A total of 12 teams will participate in the tournament. India and Pakistan are placed in Group C, alongside the UAE. Each team will compete against the others in their group, with advancement based on performance into the Cup, Plate, and Bowl sections. The unique format of the Hong Kong Sixes allows six players per team, with matches consisting of five overs each. All players, except the wicketkeeper, can bowl one over.

The Indian team for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 includes Krunal Pandya (captain), Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan, and Kulwant Khejroliya.