Krunal Pandya has been handed the captain’s armband for India’s campaign at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, stepping in after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was pulled into the national squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The leadership change was confirmed on Friday, just days before the Indian contingent heads to Hong Kong for the six-a-side tournament.
The Hong Kong Sixes, scheduled from October 30 to November 1, is one of cricket’s most entertaining spectacles, and India have assembled a squad full of IPL firepower for the three-day event. Krunal, the senior all-rounder who turns out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, will lead a seven-member side packed with explosive batters and versatile all-rounders built for the fast-paced format.
Bhuvneshwar’s big recall changes everything
The reason behind the change is a happy one for Indian cricket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has earned a return to the national team after nearly four years away from the international setup, named in the squad for India’s tour of New Zealand which begins October 22. The experienced pacer’s recall is a significant milestone in his career, and it meant India needed a new captain for the Sixes squad.
Bhuvneshwar’s comeback has gathered pace rapidly. He was also called up as cover for Saturday’s fifth and final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru after Arshdeep Singh sustained a blow during the fourth match in Hyderabad. From the fringes to the national squad within days, it has been quite a week for the swing bowler.
Replacing Bhuvneshwar in the Sixes squad is Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya, who gets his chance on the international exhibition stage. The tournament organisers acknowledged the change gracefully, with Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, saying they would miss Bhuvneshwar but were delighted to see him back in India’s colours after four years.
A squad built for six-a-side mayhem
The Hong Kong Sixes is a completely different beast from regular cricket. Six players a side, every ball an event, and batters who can clear the ropes at will. Krunal’s squad looks tailor-made for it. Here is who is on the plane to Hong Kong:
- Krunal Pandya (captain) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Left-arm spin, clean hitting, and plenty of big-game experience.
- Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings. One of the most improved finishers in Indian domestic cricket.
- Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans. The man built for final overs, whether with bat or ball.
- Nitish Rana – Delhi Capitals. A natural aggressor who loves the shorter formats.
- Rahul Tripathi – Kolkata Knight Riders. Fearless at the top of the order.
- T. Natarajan – The yorker specialist who can pin down even the most aggressive batters.
- Kulwant Khejroliya – Gujarat Titans. The late inclusion, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
It is a side with no shortage of six-hitting ability. In a format where matches can turn in a single over, having players like Tewatia and Shashank in the middle order is exactly the insurance a captain wants.
Krunal’s leadership moment
For Krunal, this is a meaningful responsibility. He has captained before in domestic cricket and led by example with his all-round game, but wearing the India badge as skipper, even in an exhibition tournament, carries weight. The Hong Kong Sixes has a proud history of showcasing future stars and seasoned campaigners alike, and leading a side of proven IPL performers will be a test of his tactical instincts in the compressed format.
The left-arm spinner’s own game suits the Sixes perfectly. His ability to bowl tight overs under pressure, combined with his knack for clearing the boundary, makes him one of the most valuable picks in the squad. If India are to make a deep run in Hong Kong, expect the captain to be at the centre of it.
What to watch in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 runs from October 30 to November 1 and features teams from around the world in a carnival atmosphere. India have traditionally been crowd favourites at the event, and with this squad, expectations will be high. The blend of experience and raw power gives Krunal plenty of options, and the six-a-side format rewards bold captaincy.
With Bhuvneshwar now chasing bigger honours with the national team in New Zealand, the Sixes squad has its own story to write. Sometimes the best teams are the ones thrown together by circumstance. Hong Kong will find out soon enough.
FAQs
Who is captaining India at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Krunal Pandya has been named captain of India’s seven-member squad, replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Why did Bhuvneshwar Kumar leave the Sixes squad?
He received a national team call-up for India’s tour of New Zealand starting October 22, returning to international cricket after nearly four years.
When is the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
The tournament runs from October 30 to November 1 in Hong Kong.
Who replaced Bhuvneshwar in the squad?
Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya was drafted in as his replacement.
Which players are in India’s Hong Kong Sixes squad?
Krunal Pandya (captain), Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya.
Stay tuned to Informeia for live updates from the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 as India’s six-a-side stars take the field.
