Krunal Pandya Takes Charge as India Captain for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
Krunal Pandya replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar as India captain for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 as Bhuvi returns to the national team for the NZ tour.
In a sudden leadership shake-up, all-rounder Krunal Pandya has been appointed as the captain of the Indian squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2026. The move comes as the original captain, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has been called back to the senior national team for India's tour of New Zealand, which is set to commence on October 22.
Bhuvi's Big Return to the National Team
While the change in leadership is a significant shift for the Sixes squad, it marks a triumphant moment for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The veteran pacer is returning to the Indian national setup after a gap of four years, signaling a major comeback in his international career.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, the Director of Commercial & Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, expressed his happiness regarding the pacer's call-up. He noted that while the tournament will miss Kumar's presence, his return to international cricket is a special milestone, and he wished him success for the New Zealand tour.
Squad Changes and New Additions
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar exiting the squad, Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kulwant Khejroliya has been brought in as his replacement. The tournament, which features a high-octane six-a-side format, is scheduled to be held from October 30 to November 1.
Krunal Pandya will now lead a seven-member team designed for explosive power and versatility. The squad is a mix of seasoned IPL stars and hard-hitting batters capable of dominating the short format.
The Updated India Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026:
- Krunal Pandya (Captain) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings
- Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans
- Nitish Rana – Delhi Capitals
- Rahul Tripathi – Kolkata Knight Riders
- T. Natarajan – Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Kulwant Khejroliya – Gujarat Titans
With a blend of firepower and experience, the team will rely on Krunal's leadership to make a lasting impact on the tournament in Hong Kong.