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Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain of India's seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, stepping in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was originally named to lead the side before earning a place in the national team for the tour of New Zealand commencing October 22.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's selection for the New Zealand assignment marks his first inclusion in the Indian setup in four years, a significant development for the veteran pacer. With the tournament running from October 30 to November 1, his availability for the Hong Kong Sixes was ruled out entirely, prompting the squad reshuffle.
Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been brought in as the direct replacement for Bhuvneshwar in the updated squad. Both Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates in the IPL, adding a notable dimension to the captaincy handover.
Why did Bhuvneshwar Kumar withdraw from the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was confirmed as India's original captain for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 before his national recall changed those plans. According to sources, he has been named in India's T20I squad for the New Zealand tour, which gets underway on October 22, more than a week before the Hong Kong Sixes begins on October 30.
"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," Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial & Marketing, Cricket Hong Kong, China, was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Who comes in as Bhuvneshwar Kumar's replacement in the squad?
Kulwant Khejroliya, who plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, has been named as Bhuvneshwar Kumar's replacement in India's Hong Kong Sixes 2026 squad. His inclusion ensures the side retains pace bowling cover under Krunal Pandya's leadership.
The updated seven-member squad draws players from several IPL franchises, including Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, alongside Krunal Pandya's Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The squad composition reflects the tournament's compact six-a-side format, which demands a balanced blend of batting and bowling options within a small group.
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)
