The captain of India’s seven-man team for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 is Krunal Pandya, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was initially selected to lead the team before being selected for the national team’s tour of New Zealand, which starts on October 22.
A major step forward for the seasoned pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the New Zealand assignment represents his first appearance in the Indian squad in four years. His availability for the Hong Kong Sixes was completely ruled out due to the tournament’s October 30–November 1 schedule, which led to a squad reorganization.
Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026
Kulwant Khejroliya, a pacer for the Gujarat Titans, has been added to the updated squad as Bhuvneshwar’s direct replacement. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya are both IPL teammates of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which adds a significant element to the transfer of captaincy.
Prior to his national recall, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was confirmed as India’s initial captain for the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes. He has reportedly been included in India’s Twenty20 International team for the New Zealand tour, which starts on October 22—more than a week before the Hong Kong Sixes start on October 30.We are happy to see Bhuvneshwar Kumar get called up to the national team, even though we will definitely miss him at the Hong Kong Sixes in 2026.
We wish him the best of luck on India’s tour of New Zealand. His return to international cricket after a four-year hiatus is a significant milestone. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial & Marketing, Cricket Hong Kong, China, was quoted, “We look forward to welcoming him back to the Hong Kong Sixes in the future.”
In India’s Hong Kong Sixes 2026 squad, Kulwant Khejroliya, an IPL player for Gujarat Titans, will take Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s place. Under Krunal Pandya’s direction, his inclusion guaranties that the team will have pace bowling cover.
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Along with Krunal Pandya’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the revised seven-man roster includes players from a number of IPL teams, including Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The tournament’s compact six-a-side format, which necessitates a balanced mix of batting and bowling options within a small group, is reflected in the squad composition.
India full squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
Krunal Pandya (Captain, RCB), Shashank Singh (PBKS), Rahul Tewatia (GT), Nitish Rana (DC), Rahul Tripathi (KKR), T. Natarajan (SRH), Kulwant Khejroliya (GT)
