Krunal Pandya to captain India at Hong Kong Sixes 2026

India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 has taken a fresh turn, with veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya handed the captaincy after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the national T20I set-up. The late change adds intrigue to a tournament already known for explosive cricket, quick decisions and high-pressure moments.

Bhuvneshwar, who was initially named to lead the side in the six-a-side event, will now miss the tournament because of India’s international commitments. His recall comes as India prepare for the fifth T20I against the West Indies and the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, leaving the Hong Kong assignment without one of its most experienced names.

Krunal Pandya takes charge of India

Krunal’s appointment gives India a captain with strong all-round experience across formats. He has represented India in five ODIs and 19 T20Is, collecting 254 international runs and 17 wickets, while his IPL career reflects both consistency and utility.

In the Indian Premier League, Krunal has played 158 matches, scored 1,974 runs at a strike rate of 133.84 and taken 107 wickets at an average of 31.87. Those numbers underline why he is seen as a natural fit for a short-format event where adaptability matters as much as power.

“The Hong Kong Sixes rewards players who can impact the game instantly, and Krunal’s skill set suits that challenge well,” a team observer noted.

India’s squad gets a late reshuffle

Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has replaced Bhuvneshwar in the squad, keeping India’s seven-member unit balanced with batting depth and bowling variety. The rest of the group features Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and left-arm quick T Natarajan.

All the selected players are active cricketers, and every member except Shashank has represented India at senior international level. That gives the side a strong blend of experience and form, which could prove decisive in a condensed competition where a single over can change everything.

India drawn in a tough Group C

India have been grouped with Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Hong Kong in Group C. Their campaign begins on October 30 with a high-voltage opener against Pakistan, a fixture that instantly raises the stakes in a format already built for drama.

The 12 participating teams are split into four groups. Group A includes Australia, England, Oman and Afghanistan, while Group B features South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Scotland. Group D has not been highlighted in the squad update, but the overall competition brings together a broad mix of established and emerging cricketing nations.

Why the Hong Kong Sixes remains special

The Hong Kong Sixes has been one of cricket’s most distinctive events since its launch in 1992. With just six players per side, the format forces teams to attack early, field sharply and bowl with precision from the first ball.

It has also drawn some of the game’s biggest names over the years, including Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Warne and Stephen Fleming. Former India stars Ravichandran Ashwin and Dinesh Karthik have also featured in past editions, adding to the tournament’s legacy and appeal.

Pakistan remain the most successful side in the competition with six titles, while England and South Africa have won five each. Sri Lanka have lifted the trophy twice, and India, Australia and the West Indies have each won it once. That history makes every edition feel like a chance to rewrite the pecking order in miniature cricket.

The 2026 tournament will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong, with Indian fans able to follow the action live on the Sony Sports Network. For India, the focus will be on navigating a tough group and making Krunal’s captaincy change count from the very first match.

With a reshaped squad, a fast format and an IND vs PAK opener on the horizon, India’s Hong Kong Sixes campaign already has the ingredients for a lively start.