Krunal Pandya has been appointed as the captain of India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 following Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s withdrawal from the tournament. Bhuvneshwar was called up to the national team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, necessitating this change in leadership. The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 1, 2026, and India will aim to make a significant impact in this fast-paced six-a-side format.

To fill the vacancy left by Bhuvneshwar, Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been included in the seven-member squad. Krunal will lead a team that features several familiar names from the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, and T. Natarajan. This combination of players is expected to bring both experience and skill to the competition.

Bhuvneshwar’s Return to International Cricket

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s withdrawal from the Hong Kong Sixes marks a significant development in his cricketing career, as he is set to return to the Indian national setup after a four-year absence. His recall to international cricket takes precedence over his participation in the tournament, allowing him to represent India once again. This marks a noteworthy milestone for the veteran fast bowler, who has been a key player for the national team in the past.

Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial & Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, expressed his sentiments regarding Bhuvneshwar’s situation. He stated that while the team will miss Bhuvneshwar at the Hong Kong Sixes, they are pleased to see him earn a call-up to the national squad. Bhatnagar acknowledged the significance of Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket and wished him success on the tour of New Zealand.

India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes is expected to leverage the experience of its players, combining powerful hitters and versatile all-rounders to deliver a competitive performance. The team will aim to make a strong showing in the tournament, building on the skills and strategies developed in the IPL.

Upcoming T20I Match Against West Indies

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also set to make an early return to India’s T20I setup, having been drafted into the squad for the fifth and final match against the West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17. This call-up comes as a result of an injury concern involving Arshdeep Singh, who sustained a shoulder injury during the fourth T20I match in Hyderabad.

While training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in preparation for the New Zealand tour, Bhuvneshwar received the notification regarding his inclusion in the T20I squad. His last appearance for India in a T20I match was in November 2022, making this call-up a timely opportunity for him to return to international cricket sooner than expected.

However, there are concerns regarding weather conditions, as rain is forecasted for the match in Bengaluru on Saturday. This could potentially impact the game, and both teams will be keen to adapt to the conditions as they prepare for the final T20I of the series.

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