In a significant leadership change, all-rounder Krunal Pandya, 35, has been named captain of the Indian squad for the eagerly anticipated Hong Kong Sixes 2026 tournament.
The announcement comes as veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, who was initially slated to lead the side, received a national call-up for India’s T20I series against New Zealand, creating a direct scheduling conflict.
Krunal Pandya To Lead India
The dynamic left-arm orthodox spinner and explosive batter, Krunal Pandya, will now steer a talented Indian team largely comprising players with extensive Indian Premier League (IPL) experience. Left-arm medium-fast bowler Kulwant Khejroliya, 34, has been drafted into the squad to fill the void left by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s unavailability.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s National Duty
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national setup marks his first T20I appearance for India in nearly four years. He has been included in the 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which commences on October 22 and concludes on November 1, 2026. This tour schedule directly clashes with the Hong Kong Sixes, set to run from October 30 to November 1, necessitating a change in India’s leadership for the six-a-side event.
Bhuvneshwar’s recall follows impressive performances in recent IPL seasons, including a stellar 2026 campaign where he played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title victories.
India’s Hong Kong Sixes Squad
The Indian squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 features a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting talents, all familiar with the demands of short-format cricket. Alongside captain Krunal Pandya, the team includes power-hitters like Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, and Nitish Rana, promising an attacking brand of cricket. Top-order batter Rahul Tripathi and left-arm pacer T Natarajan are also part of the seven-member contingent, bringing international and IPL exposure to the squad.
Kulwant Khejroliya’s inclusion provides a like-for-like pace bowling option following Bhuvneshwar’s departure. Khejroliya, known for his left-arm medium-fast bowling, has been a consistent performer in domestic circuits and has IPL experience, making him a valuable asset in the high-octane Sixes format.
Tournament Details
The 22nd edition of the Hong Kong Sixes will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Twelve international teams, including cricketing powerhouses like Pakistan (defending champions), Australia, England, and South Africa, will compete in the rapid-fire format.
Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Key Rules:
- Players per side: 6
- Overs per innings: 6
- Bowling: Five players bowl one over each; one player bowls two non-consecutive overs.
- Batter Retirement: Batters retire not out after scoring 50 runs, but can return if other batters are dismissed or retired.
- Extras: Wides and no-balls cost 2 runs.
- Last Batter: If five wickets fall, the last batter continues with the fifth dismissed batter acting as a runner.
Where to Watch (Confirmed for 2026):
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| India | FanCode |
This leadership transition sets the stage for a compelling display of T20 power-hitting and strategic bowling at one of cricket’s most exciting short-format tournaments. India, under Krunal Pandya, will be eager to make a strong statement against formidable international competition, aiming for their first championship title in the event’s history.