Bhuvneshwar Kumar appointed India captain for Hong Kong Sixes from October 30 to November 1

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named captain of India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, which will take place from October 30 to November 1. The 36-year-old pacer will lead a side assembled specifically for the six-a-side tournament.

The India squad includes Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, T Natarajan, Rahul Tripathi and Rahul Tewatia alongside Bhuvneshwar; except for Shashank Singh, every player named has represented India. Krunal Pandya is a Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate of Bhuvneshwar’s, linking the XI to recent IPL partnerships.

Bhuvneshwar arrives on the back of strong white-ball returns: he took 28 wickets in 16 matches during IPL 2026 with an economy rate of 7.95 and played a noted role in RCB’s successful title defence. He also claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches in the UP T20 League in August and September. Addressing questions about a national comeback, he said last month: "I've already played for India. That's not something I have to achieve now. If I get another opportunity, that's great, but I've been there. Everything I'm doing now is because of my love for the game. I know I have to stay disciplined."

The Hong Kong Sixes is a six-a-side event first staged in 1992 and, after a hiatus, returned in 2024; the tournament is played at a brisk tempo that allows little time for players to settle. The format rewards attacking cricket and versatility, putting a premium on quick scoring and flexible skill sets in both batting and bowling.

India’s selection pairs experience with T20-specialist skill sets: Krunal Pandya provides all-round balance, Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia are cited for power and finishing ability, Rahul Tripathi for attacking intent, and T Natarajan offers an additional specialist pace option. Bhuvneshwar’s international and IPL background is the senior element in a compact playing group.

India return to the event after a mixed campaign in 2025, when they opened with a two-run DLS win over Pakistan before suffering defeats that led to their exit. Pakistan enter the 2026 tournament as defending champions after beating Kuwait in last year’s final to claim a record sixth title. Dinesh Karthik captained India in the previous edition, with his 2025 squad featuring Robin Uthappa, Stuart Binny, Abhimanyu Mithun, Shahbaz Nadeem, Priyank Panchal and Bharat Chipli.

Bhuvneshwar will take over the captaincy from Dinesh Karthik and lead India in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament running from October 30 to November 1.