Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead India Squad; Krunal Pandya, T Natarajan Included
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead a star-studded India squad, featuring IPL stars like Krunal Pandya, at the 22nd edition of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, taking place from October 30 to November 1. The strong seven-player contingent, packed with T20 talent, aims to improve on recent tournament performances at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
Hong Kong is set to witness a high-octane cricket spectacle as India unveils a formidable squad for the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes, with seasoned fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the helm. The seven-player contingent, which includes fellow Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL champion Krunal Pandya, promises to be one of India's strongest showings in the tournament's history, according to Cricket Hong Kong officials. The announcement was made on October 5, 2026, as the excitement builds for the unique six-a-side event. Suryansh Shedge Replaces Injured Hardik Pandya; Anukul Roy Replaces Naman Dhir in India A Squad for Australia ODIs.
The tournament, a fast-paced and high-scoring affair, is scheduled to run for three days from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. India, who last lifted the trophy in 2005, will be eager to reverse their recent fortunes, having exited at the group stage in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
India's Strong Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
The squad composition heavily features players who impressed in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), indicating a clear intent from the Indian selectors to dominate the condensed format. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 229 international appearances, brings immense experience and skill with the new ball. Krunal Pandya, his RCB teammate, adds the versatility of a proven all-rounder, fresh off a successful IPL campaign where he contributed significantly with both bat and ball, including a match-winning 73 off 46 and a 4-wicket haul in one instance. Other notable inclusions feature dynamic middle-order batsmen and specialist bowlers.
India Squad:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Captain) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Krunal Pandya – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings
- Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans
- Nitish Rana – Delhi Capitals
- Rahul Tripathi – Kolkata Knight Riders
- T. Natarajan – Delhi Capitals
Tournament Structure and Key Fixtures
The 2026 Hong Kong Sixes will feature 12 international teams, split into four groups of three. India has been placed in Group C, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sri Lanka Announce Squad for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026; Kusal Mendis Named Captain, Avishka Fernando Recalled.
Pakistan, the defending champions, will open their title defense against the UAE. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set for the opening day, promising an electrifying start to the tournament.
India's Group Stage Schedule:
| Date | Match | Start Time (HKT) | Venue | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Oct 30 | India vs Pakistan | 2:15 PM | Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground | C |
| Saturday, Oct 31 | UAE vs India | 10:35 AM | Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground | C |
This year's Hong Kong Sixes is set to be a significant event, with Cricket Hong Kong, China, expressing gratitude to the Indian cricket authorities for assembling "arguably one of the strongest sides" to represent India. With a blend of experience and explosive talent, the Indian squad, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, will be looking to make a deep run and reclaim the coveted Hong Kong Sixes title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2026 01:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).