India have made a change to their team for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 and the all-rounder Krunal Pandya was appointed captain after the experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar withdrew from the tournament. The decision was taken after Bhuvneshwar got a call-up to India's national team for the upcoming tour to New Zealand.
Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been named as Bhuvneshwar’s replacement, which will give India a new option in the bowling department prior to the fast-paced six-a-side competition.
The squad update was given on October 17, 2026, just under two weeks before the tournament begins.
Why was Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced?
Bhuvneshwar was originally selected to lead India's seven-member team at the Hong Kong Sixes. But his return to India's T20I setup and selection for the upcoming New Zealand tour have changed his plans.
India's New Zealand tour will start on October 22, 2026. With international commitments of all kinds, Bhuvneshwar will not be able to attend the Hong Kong tournament.
His absence is a significant change because the senior pacer was expected to bring experience and leadership to India’s campaign. Now the revised squad will try and use its batting depth and bowling variety under a different captain for that change.
Krunal Pandya gets leadership responsibility
Krunal Pandya will take charge of the Indian team in the tournament. The left-handed batsman and spin-bowling all-rounder has vast experience in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.
Krunal's ability to contribute with both bat and ball could be relevant in a format where matches move quickly and teams have limited time to recover from setbacks. His leadership experience also gives India an option to adapt quickly to the demands of the competition.
The appointment will allow Krunal to guide a team with a few players who know how to play high-pressure T20 cricket.
India's new Hong Kong Sixes Squad.
India’s revised seven-member team for the 2026 tournament will be as follows:
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Krunal Pandya (captain)
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Shashank Singh
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Rahul Tewatia
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Rahul Tripathi
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Nitish Rana
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T. Natarajan
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Kulwant Khejroliya
Khejroliya's inclusion brings India another left-arm pace option. T. Natarajan also provides left-arm pace, but the squad's all-rounders and attacking batters give flexibility in the shortened format.
Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia can contribute with aggressive batting while Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi add experience and attacking intent.
When is the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 to get started?
Hong Kong Sixes will take place from October 30 to November 1, 2026 at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong.
The tournament is not only compact but also has six players taking the field for each team. Short matches encourage aggressive batting, quick scoring and creative bowling schemes.
India will compete in Group C alongside Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The new team will try to make the right impression on the new captain and bowling combination as it gets used to the new captain and the new bowling format.
Will India make an impact under Krunal?
India's leadership change adds an extra storyline ahead of the tournament. Bhuvneshwar’s absence removes an experienced campaigner, Krunal’s all-round skills could help India maintain balance.
Fitness as a team will be based on the players’ ability to adapt to the format, utilize their batting opportunities and execute their plans under pressure.
With that tournament inching closer, Indian fans will be interested to see if Krunal can lead the team to a successful Hong Kong campaign.
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