Krunal Pandya will take charge of India's campaign at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was forced to withdraw from the tournament following his call-up to the national team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been drafted into the seven-member squad to fill Bhuvneshwar's spot. The tournament will be held from October 30 to November 1.

Krunal will have several familiar IPL names for company as India look to make their mark in the fast-paced six-a-side competition. The squad includes Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Khejroliya, with the all-rounder stepping into the leadership role.

Bhuvneshwar's withdrawal comes as a major development, with the veteran fast bowler set to return to the Indian national setup after four years. His international recall takes priority, leaving Krunal with the responsibility of leading India in Hong Kong.

“While we will certainly miss Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, we are delighted to see him earn a call-up to the national team. His return to international cricket after four years is a special milestone, and we wish him every success on India’s tour of New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Hong Kong Sixes in the future," said Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial & Marketing, Cricket Hong Kong, China.

India will hope the combination of experienced campaigners, powerful hitters and versatile all-rounders can deliver a strong performance in the short-format tournament.

Krunal, like Bhuvneshwar, had a major role to play in RCB's title win during the IPL 2026. The all-rounder scored 226 runs and picked up 14 wickets in 16 matches.

BHUVNESHWAR BACK IN INDIA FOLD

Bhuvneshwar is set to make an early return to India's T20I setup, with the experienced pacer drafted into the squad for the fifth and final match against the West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday.

An injury concern involving Arshdeep Singh has brought his comeback forward, with the left-arm pacer taking a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Bhuvneshwar was training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his preparations for the New Zealand tour when he received the call-up. He last featured for India in a T20I in November 2022 and will now have an opportunity to return to international action sooner than anticipated.

However, there is a rain threat for the match in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.

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