Krunal Pandya named India captain for Hong Kong Sixes after Bhuvneshwar Kumar call-up

Krunal takes over as India captain

Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of India’s seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was called up to the national team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Kulwant Khejroliya has been drafted into the tournament squad in Bhuvneshwar’s place.

The competition is scheduled for October 30 to November 1. Krunal’s squad also includes Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan. The group brings together players with IPL experience for the six-a-side format.

Bhuvneshwar returns to India duty

Bhuvneshwar was named in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, where Shreyas Iyer is set to lead. He was also called up as cover for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies after Arshdeep Singh took a blow during the fourth match in Hyderabad.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Cricket Hong Kong, China’s director of commercial and marketing, said organisers would miss the fast bowler but welcomed his return to international cricket. “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,” Bhatnagar said, adding that organisers wished him success on the New Zealand tour and hoped to welcome him back to the tournament in the future.

India squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Krunal Pandya (captain), Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya.