India has announced a strong seven-member team for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 and a veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named captain.
The squad was announced on October 5, 2026, ahead of the tournament to be played from October 30 to November 1. The team is also loaded with IPL veterans and will provide India with some good pace, all-round ability and aggressive bowling in the team.
India's squad is comprised of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan.
IPL Experience at the Core
The squad is largely made up of players with experience of IPL.
Bhuvneshwar has extensive international and franchise cricket experience and his ability to make an impact with the new ball. Krunal Pandya brings all-round skills and Nitish Rana is aggressive.
Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia are known for their finishing ability, especially in pressure situations. Rahul Tripathi brings attacking intent while left-arm pacer T Natarajan adds another specialist bowling option.
According to the tournament organisers, the team has international experience, explosive batting, all-round skills and specialist bowling.
Sixes Format: Why is it different?
The Hong Kong Sixes is drastically different from international cricket as a whole. Only six players are to be on the field for each team, and innings are limited to six overs.
There is little time for batsmen or bowlers to settle down in the format. Aggressive stroke play, quick running between the wickets and versatile players can be decisive factors.
This could make India's selection particularly interesting. Almost every player in the squad has experience playing high-pressure, short-format cricket in the IPL.
India Looking for a Better Campaign
India will be looking to improve on their recent Hong Kong Sixes campaigns.
In 2025, India had a narrow two-run DLS victory against Pakistan but then suffered defeats and ended up leaving the tournament early. Pakistan eventually won the title after defeating Kuwait in the final to win their sixth Hong Kong Sixes championship.
The Indian side will therefore enter the 2026 competition with an appetite to make a deep run.
STACKED! 🔥 Maximum format. Maximum firepower. Team India is locked, loaded, and ready to take over the Hong Kong Sixes! 🇮🇳💥 #TurnItUpToSix #HongKongSixes https://t.co/aNSKqkDfd1
— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) October 5, 2026
India, Pakistan and UAE in Group C
The 2026 tournament will have 12 teams divided into four groups.
India will be placed in Group C along with defending champions Pakistan and UAE. The tournament will be held at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from October 30 to November 1.
Pakistan will be the defending champions in the competition and will be looking to add another title to their impressive Hong Kong Sixes record.
When was the Squad announced?
The announcement of India’s squad was made on Monday, October 5, 2026. The announcement was made via a press release from Hong Kong Sixes organizers and was also carried by ANI and several sports publications.
India’s campaign will be closely watched, particularly because the squad is a move toward active IPL performers rather than the group of retired players used in the previous edition.
