India have announced a seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking charge of the side. The tournament is scheduled to be held from October 30 to November 1, with India drawn alongside Pakistan and the UAE in Pool C. The selection gives India an opportunity to improve their record in the revived six-a-side competition, having struggled in their previous two appearances.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to captain India at Hong Kong Sixes

Bhuvneshwar’s appointment adds considerable experience to India’s campaign. The 36-year-old has played 229 international matches, featuring in 21 Tests, 121 ODIs and 87 T20Is. He is comfortably the most experienced player in the squad and will now shoulder the responsibility of leading India in the fast-paced six-over format.

The seamer continues to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. His performances in the 2026 IPL final underlined his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, as he dismissed Sai Sudharsan and Jason Holder while RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to win the title.

His ability to move the ball and consistently bowl effective lengths could prove particularly valuable in the Hong Kong Sixes, where there is little margin for error. With only six overs available per innings and one designated bowler allowed to bowl two overs, every spell can have a major influence on the outcome.

India face Pakistan and UAE in Pool C

India’s campaign will begin in a group containing Pakistan and the UAE. The pool structure offers a direct route to the Cup semi-finals for the team finishing first, while the second-placed side will move into the Plate semi-finals. The third-placed team will instead compete in the Bowl competition.

Pakistan will be India’s biggest challenge in the group. The defending champions won the 2025 edition after defeating Kuwait in the final, securing their sixth title in the competition.

India, meanwhile, have found the tournament difficult since its revival in 2024. They have been eliminated in the group stage in both editions, winning just one of their ten matches during that period. At the 2025 tournament, they finished at the bottom of Pool C after losing all three of their matches.

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Strong squad aims to change India’s fortunes

India’s only Hong Kong Sixes title came in 2005, leaving the current squad with an opportunity to revive the team’s fortunes in the competition.

Alongside Bhuvneshwar, the squad features talented players like Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and others. The combination includes players with extensive experience in India’s domestic and franchise cricket, giving the team a strong base for the six-over format.

For India, finishing first in Pool C will be crucial if they are to reach the Cup semi-finals. Their recent record suggests that even progressing beyond the group stage would represent significant improvement. With Bhuvneshwar’s experience at the helm and a squad built around proven short-format performers, India will look to make a stronger impact when the tournament begins on October 30.

India squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Captain), Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Thangarasu Natarajan

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