Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced by GT pacer after India recall, Krunal Pandya named captain

Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced by GT pacer after India recall, Krunal Pandya named captain

Krunal Pandya to Captain India at Hong Kong Sixes 2026 After Bhuvneshwar Kumar Recall

Krunal Pandya will lead India at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, taking over the captaincy after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was called back into the national T20I setup. The change reshapes India’s plans for the fast-paced tournament, which runs from October 30 to November 1 and features 12 teams playing a distinctive six-a-side format.

Bhuvneshwar had initially been named captain, but his international commitments mean he will not travel with the Hong Kong Sixes squad. Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kulwant Khejroliya has been selected as his replacement, while experienced all-rounder Krunal assumes leadership of a group that includes several established Indian and IPL players.

Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar Is Missing the Tournament

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s withdrawal follows his recall to India’s T20I squad. He is expected to join the national team for the fifth T20I against the West Indies after left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh sustained a shoulder injury in Hyderabad. The schedule also lists Bhuvneshwar in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on October 22 and overlaps with the Hong Kong event.

With international cricket taking priority, Bhuvneshwar will be unavailable for India’s campaign in Hong Kong. His absence removes a highly experienced new-ball bowler from the group, but Khejroliya’s inclusion gives India another left-arm pace option. The replacement also allows the squad to retain a specialist fast bowler while Krunal takes on the captaincy responsibilities.

Krunal Pandya Brings International and IPL Experience

Krunal is well suited to the demands of a compact tournament where players may need to contribute with both bat and ball in quick succession. He has represented India in five One-Day Internationals and 19 T20 Internationals, scoring 254 runs and taking 17 wickets across those appearances.

His Indian Premier League record adds further depth to his leadership credentials. Across 158 IPL matches, Krunal has scored 1,974 runs at a strike rate of 133.84 and claimed 107 wickets at an average of 31.87. Those numbers reflect the all-round value he can bring in a format that rewards adaptable players and rapid decision-making.

India’s squad also includes Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan. The group combines hard-hitting batting, spin options and specialist pace. Apart from Shashank, each selected player has represented India at senior international level, giving the team a mix of domestic form and international experience.

India squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Krunal Pandya (captain), Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya.

India Drawn With Pakistan, UAE and Hong Kong

India have been placed in Group C alongside Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Hong Kong. Their opening match is against Pakistan on October 30, setting up an immediate high-profile contest to begin the campaign. The group-stage draw offers little room for a slow start: with a short tournament schedule, each match can have a major influence on qualification prospects.

The 12 participating teams are divided into four groups:

Group A: Australia, England, Oman and Afghanistan
Group B: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Scotland
Group C: India, Pakistan, UAE and Hong Kong

Matches will be held at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Indian viewers can watch the tournament live on the Sony Sports Network. Fans following the competition will be watching not only the results but also how teams adjust to the unusual pace and tactical demands of six-a-side cricket.

What Makes the Hong Kong Sixes Different?

The Hong Kong Sixes has been staged since 1992 and is known for turning cricket into a short, high-energy spectacle. Each team fields six players, and the reduced format encourages aggressive batting, inventive bowling and sharp fielding. With less time to recover from a poor over, captains must make quick calls about match-ups, bowling changes and field placements.

That makes the tournament a different challenge from conventional international cricket. Batters are often expected to score quickly from the outset, while bowlers need to vary their pace and length to prevent boundaries. All-rounders such as Krunal and Tewatia can be particularly valuable because they provide options across multiple phases of a match.

The competition has also attracted some of cricket’s most recognisable names over the years, including Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Warne and Stephen Fleming. Former India internationals Ravichandran Ashwin and Dinesh Karthik have also appeared in previous editions, adding to the event’s appeal for fans.

Hong Kong Sixes Title History and India’s Prospects

Pakistan are the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with six titles. England and South Africa have won five apiece, while Sri Lanka have claimed two championships. India, Australia and the West Indies have each lifted the trophy once.

India’s prediction for the 2026 edition will depend on how quickly the squad settles into the format and whether its experienced players can turn their skills into fast, consistent performances. Krunal’s all-round ability gives the team flexibility, while T Natarajan, Khejroliya and the other bowlers will need to make every delivery count. The opening match against Pakistan is likely to provide an early test of India’s approach—and could set the tone for a compelling campaign in Hong Kong.

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