Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced by RCB teammate as captain of India’s Hong Kong Sixes

Krunal Pandya will take charge of India’s 2026 Hong Kong Sixes campaign after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was forced to withdraw from the tournament after being called up to the national team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya has been called up in the seven-man squad to fill Bhuvneshwar’s place. The tournament will be held from October 30 to November 1.

Krunal will have some familiar IPL names for company as India look to make a name for themselves in the fast-paced six-rounder competition. Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Khejroliya are in the squad, with the all-rounder taking the lead role.

Bhuvneshwar’s withdrawal comes as a significant development as the veteran fast bowler is ready to return to the Indian national setup after four years. His international appeal takes precedence, leaving Krunal with the responsibility of leading India in Hong Kong.

“While we will certainly miss Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, we are delighted that he has earned a call-up to the national team. His return to international cricket after four years is a special milestone and we wish him the best of luck on India’s tour of New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Hong Kong Sixes in the future, C Hong Kong Commercial & Angaragrick, Hong Kong Marketing Director Mr Angaragrick Kong, China.

India will be hoping that the combination of experienced batsmen, powerful hitters and versatile all-rounders can put up a strong performance in the short tournament.

Krunal, like Bhuvneshwar, he had a major role in RCB’s title win during IPL 2026. The all-rounder scored 226 runs and picked up 14 wickets in 16 matches.

BHUVNESHWAR BACK IN INDIA FOLD

Bhuvneshwar will soon return to India’s T20I set-up, with the veteran pacer drafted into the squad for the fifth and final match against West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Arshdeep Singh’s injury problem brought his comeback forward when he suffered a blow to his left arm during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Bhuvneshwar was training at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru in preparation for the New Zealand tour when he got the invite. He last featured for India in a T20I in November 2022 and will now get an opportunity to return to international action sooner than expected.

However, there is a threat of rain for the match in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17.

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