Krunal Pandya Named India Captain for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
India's squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 has a new leader. All-rounder Krunal Pandya will captain the seven-man side at the six-a-side tournament, stepping in after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to India's national squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
The tournament runs from October 30 to November 1, featuring 12 teams in cricket's fastest format — six players a side, maximum entertainment. Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya comes into the squad as Bhuvneshwar's replacement.
Squad blend of experience and firepower
Krunal leads a group packed with IPL performers: Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Khejroliya. Every member except Shashank has represented India at senior level. Krunal himself brings 5 ODIs and 19 T20Is of international experience, plus 158 IPL matches with nearly 2,000 runs and 107 wickets.
Bhuvneshwar’s big recall
Bhuvneshwar's absence is a compliment in disguise — the veteran pacer has earned a return to India's T20I squad after four years, for the five-match series against New Zealand starting October 22. Cricket Hong Kong's commercial director called it 'a special milestone' and wished him well.
Source: Cricket Hong Kong / Sports wires