Photo via The Times of India

Krunal Pandya to lead India at Hong Kong Sixes as Bhuvneshwar gets national call-up

India’s squad for the upcoming **Hong Kong Sixes 2026** will be led by **Krunal Pandya**, who has been named captain after **Bhuvneshwar Kumar** was recalled to the national team for the tour of New Zealand. The tournament, set for **October 30 to November 1**, will feature a seven-player lineup including **Shashank Singh**, **Rahul Tewatia**, **Nitish Rana**, **Rahul Tripathi**, **T Natarajan**, and **Kulwant Khejroliya**, who replaces Bhuvneshwar as the Gujarat Titans pacer.

This team blends IPL experience with versatile skills, tailored for the fast-paced six-a-side format. Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket marks a significant milestone, having last played a T20I nearly four years ago, and his absence from Hong Kong allows him to focus on India’s five-match series against New Zealand, where he was named as a key bowler under **Shreyas Iyer**.

His selection also serves as backup for **Arshdeep Singh**, who was injured during the fifth T20I against the West Indies. Tournament organizers expressed excitement for Bhuvneshwar’s comeback while acknowledging his absence in this year’s event.

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