Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead India at Hong Kong Sixes 2026
India have named a seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar appointed captain for the tournament that runs from October 30 to November 1.
The 36-year-old leads a side packed with international experience. His Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate Krunal Pandya is also in the squad, alongside Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan.
Every member of the squad except Shashank has represented India at senior international level, making this one of the strongest Indian sides named for the six-a-side event in recent years.
Reward for a stellar IPL season
Bhuvneshwar’s appointment as captain follows a standout Indian Premier League campaign for RCB in 2026. The right-arm pacer took 28 wickets in 16 matches as Bengaluru lifted the title, holding his economy rate to an impressive 7.95 despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament.
He carried that form into the UP T20 League in August and September, claiming 14 wickets in 11 matches. His performances have sparked discussion in India about a possible return to the national side, though he is not currently in line for an immediate recall to India’s international squad.
Hong Kong Sixes 2026: tough group with Pakistan and UAE
India are drawn in Group C with defending champions Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, and open their campaign against Pakistan on October 30. Twelve teams will contest this year’s edition.
India will be keen to improve on last year’s showing. They won only one match in the 2025 edition, edging Pakistan by two runs on DLS in their opener before losing to Kuwait by 27 runs and to the UAE by four wickets.
Pakistan enter this year’s tournament as defending champions after beating Kuwait in the 2025 final, so the opening clash is a repeat of last year’s tournament opener with the roles reversed.
Bhuvneshwar takes over the captaincy from Dinesh Karthik, who led India last year in a squad that also featured former internationals Robin Uthappa and Stuart Binny.
India have won the Hong Kong Sixes only once. Their sole triumph came in 2005, when they defeated the West Indies in the final.
When is the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
The tournament runs from October 30 to November 1, 2026, with 12 teams taking part.
Who is in India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (captain), Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan.
When do India play Pakistan?
India open their campaign against defending champions Pakistan on October 30 in Group C, which also includes the United Arab Emirates.
