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Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead India in Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Big and exciting news has emerged for cricket fans. The Hong Kong Sixes Series 2026 is set to take place from October 30 to November 1. The Indian squad for this prestigious and high-octane tournament has been announced. This time, the reins of the Indian team will be in the hands of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
This seven-member Indian squad features several renowned IPL stars, including all-rounder Krunal Pandya.
Bhuvneshwar and Krunal's return to the team.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have been out of the Indian international setup for a long time.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his last international match in November 2022.
- Krunal Pandya has not been seen in the 'Blue Jersey' since July 2021.
In this context, the Hong Kong Sixes presents a fantastic opportunity for both these veterans to make their mark on the field.
India's 7-Member Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
This 7-player Indian squad comprises experienced international cricketers alongside explosive IPL match-winners:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Captain): Possesses the ability to swing the new ball and brings immense experience.
- Krunal Pandya: An excellent spin all-rounder capable of explosive batting in the lower order.
- Nitish Rana: An aggressive top-order batsman.
- Rahul Tripathi: A top-order batter adept at playing brisk, high-impact innings.
- Shashank Singh: A finisher who made a name for himself in the IPL with his hard-hitting ability.
- Rahul Tewatia: A formidable finisher capable of winning matches under pressure.
- T. Natarajan: A fast bowler renowned for his precise yorkers.
Note: Except for 34-year-old Shashank Singh and 33-year-old Rahul Tewatia, all other five players in the team have already made their international debut for India.
What Are the Rules of Hong Kong Sixes?
This tournament is vastly different from traditional T20 or ODI cricket and is extremely fast-paced:
- 6-a-Side Format: Only six players from a team take the field.
- 6-Over Match: Each innings consists of six overs.
- Mandatory Bowling Rule: Apart from the wicketkeeper, all five other players are required to bowl.
- Over Limit: A bowler can bowl a maximum of two overs.
Also Read: IND vs WI: Amir Jangoo Replaces Injured Jewel Andrew in West Indies T20I Squad
