Hong Kong, October 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
All-rounder Krunal Pandya will captain India at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national T20I setup forced a change in the squad for the six-a-side tournament.
Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been named as Bhuvneshwar’s replacement in the seven-member squad for the tournament, scheduled to be held from October 30 to November 1.
Krunal will lead a side featuring Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Khejroliya. The squad combines experienced IPL players with batting depth and all-round options suited to the quick-paced six-a-side format.
Bhuvneshwar’s withdrawal comes after the experienced pacer earned a recall to India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, beginning October 22. The recall marks his return to the national side after nearly four years.
The senior pacer was also added to India’s squad for the decisive fifth and final T20I against the West Indies after left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh suffered a blow during the fourth match in Hyderabad.
Cricket Hong Kong, China said it was pleased to see Bhuvneshwar return to international cricket despite his absence from this year’s Hong Kong Sixes.
“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,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China.
India squad: Krunal Pandya (captain), Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya.
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