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Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to make his India return in a different format after being named captain of a strong Indian squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. The experienced fast bowler will lead a seven-member side at the tournament, which returns with India among the participating nations.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been part of India's recent international plans, but his selection for the Hong Kong Sixes gives him another opportunity to represent the country. He will be joined by several experienced IPL players, including Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi.
Hong Kong Sixes to begin on October 30
The 2026 edition of the Hong Kong Sixes will be held at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok from October 30 to November 1. Twelve teams will take part in the three-day tournament, which features a fast-paced six-a-side format.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is an international tournament organized by Cricket Hong Kong, China and sanctioned by the International Cricket Council. The competition was first held in 1992 and returned in 2024 after a seven-year break. The tournament was also played in 2025, with Pakistan entering the 2026 edition as defending champions after beating Kuwait in the previous final.
The competition follows several rules that make it different from conventional international cricket. Each team consists of six players, while an innings lasts six overs. Every member of the fielding side other than the wicketkeeper is required to bowl, with one player bowling two overs.
A batter must retire unbeaten after reaching 50 runs, although they can return if required later in the innings. If five wickets fall before the six overs are completed, the final batter continues with the fifth batter acting as a runner.
The 12 teams have been divided into four groups of three. The top two sides from each group advance to the Cup quarter-finals, while the four third-placed teams enter the Bowl League.
India's Hong Kong Sixes 2026 squad announced, Bhuvneshwar Kumar named captain
India have assembled a squad for Hong Kong Sixes featuring players with considerable experience in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's leadership and experience with the white ball will be central to the campaign, while Krunal Pandya adds all-round ability to the group.
Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tripathi and Rahul Tewatia also bring extensive T20 experience, while T Natarajan provides another experienced pace option alongside the captain.
India squad for Hong Kong Cricket Sixes: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (c), Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T Natarajan.
We are very grateful to the Indian cricket authorities for their support - Anurag Bhatnagar
Cricket Hong Kong, China welcomed India's participation in Hong Kong Sixes and believes the country's strong squad could bring greater attention to the tournament. The organizers also credited the Indian cricket authorities for helping put together the side.
“We are very grateful to the Indian cricket authorities for their support in helping us put together arguably one of the strongest sides that has represented India in the history of the Sixes,” said Anurag Bhatnagar, Cricket Hong Kong, China’s (CHKC) director of marketing and commercial.
“This will surely prove to be a quantum leap forward in terms of viewership and further validation for this iconic tournament.”
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