BackIndia have made a leadership change ahead of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with all-rounder Krunal Pandya appointed captain of the seven-member squad in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar has received a call-up to the Indian national team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which begins on October 22. As a result, Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been named as his replacement in India’s Hong Kong Sixes squad, according to a press release.
The tournament will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2026, with India aiming to make a strong impression in the fast-paced six-a-side competition.
Krunal Pandya will lead a squad featuring a mix of experienced IPL performers, aggressive batters and versatile all-rounders. The Indian team combines batting firepower with bowling options suited to the demands of the six-a-side format.
The seven-member squad includes Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya, alongside captain Krunal Pandya.
With several players having experience in high-pressure T20 matches, India will look to use their skills and versatility to compete strongly in the tournament.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the national team is a significant development in his international career. The experienced fast bowler is set to return to the Indian setup after a gap of four years, earning an opportunity ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand.
His absence will be a setback for India’s Hong Kong Sixes campaign, but the team will rely on Krunal’s leadership and the experience of its remaining players. Kulwant Khejroliya’s inclusion gives India another pace-bowling option as the team prepares for the tournament.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, welcomed Bhuvneshwar’s return to the national team while acknowledging his absence from the tournament.
“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,” Bhatnagar said.
India will compete in the Hong Kong Sixes from October 30 to November 1, with Krunal Pandya leading the side.
The tournament’s fast-paced format places a premium on aggressive batting, quick scoring and versatile bowling performances. India’s blend of experienced IPL players and all-rounders will be key to its campaign.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning to the national setup and Krunal taking charge, all eyes will be on how India adapts to the six-a-side challenge.
| No. | Player Name | IPL Team | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krunal Pandya (Captain) | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | All-rounder |
| 2 | Shashank Singh | Punjab Kings | All-rounder |
| 3 | Rahul Tewatia | Gujarat Titans | All-rounder |
| 4 | Nitish Rana | Delhi Capitals | Batter |
| 5 | Rahul Tripathi | Kolkata Knight Riders | Batter |
| 6 | T. Natarajan | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bowler |
| 7 | Kulwant Khejroliya | Gujarat Titans | Bowler |
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