BackIndia’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 has undergone a major change, with experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar withdrawing from the tournament after receiving a call-up to the national team.
The development comes as a significant boost for Bhuvneshwar, who is set to return to India’s international setup for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. However, his absence means India will enter the six-a-side competition with a revised squad ahead of the tournament, scheduled from October 30 to November 1 in Hong Kong.
Bhuvneshwar was initially named captain of India’s seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes. His selection followed an impressive run of performances in domestic and franchise cricket, including his contribution to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign.
However, the senior pacer has now been called up to India’s national squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series begins on October 22, giving Bhuvneshwar an opportunity to return to international cricket after nearly four years.
He was also added to India’s squad for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies after Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury during the previous match in Hyderabad.
With international commitments taking priority, Bhuvneshwar will miss the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, prompting the organisers and team management to make changes to India’s squad and leadership.
Kulwant Khejroliya has been selected as Bhuvneshwar’s replacement for the competition. The left-arm fast bowler, who has represented Gujarat Titans in the IPL, brings another pace option to India’s lineup.
Khejroliya will join a squad featuring several players with substantial IPL experience. His inclusion gives India an additional specialist fast bowler for a format in which every over can significantly influence the outcome.
The tournament’s six-a-side structure demands aggressive batting, quick decision-making and versatile bowling. Khejroliya will therefore have an opportunity to make an impact in a competition where bowlers must adapt quickly to attacking batters and limited fielding resources.
With Bhuvneshwar unavailable, Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of the Indian team. The all-rounder will lead a squad that combines batting firepower with a variety of bowling options.
The lineup features players capable of contributing in multiple roles. Krunal offers left-arm spin and batting depth, while Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia and Nitish Rana bring power-hitting ability. Rahul Tripathi adds attacking intent, and T. Natarajan provides experience as a specialist fast bowler.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, expressed disappointment at Bhuvneshwar’s absence but welcomed his return to the national team.
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