India return to Hong Kong Sixes with strong IPL contingent

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead a strong Indian side featuring seven IPL performers at the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes. India will return to the tournament after a 2025 campaign that ended with one win and two subsequent defeats

Hong Kong: India will field a strong IPL-heavy side led by seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes, with seven leading Indian cricketers set to compete in the fast-paced six-a-side tournament from October 30 to November 1.

Bhuvneshwar will lead the side, which also includes fellow IPL performers Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T Natarajan.

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The squad brings together international experience, explosive batting, all-round ability and specialist bowling for one of cricket’s fastest formats.

Bhuvneshwar brings years of international and IPL experience and the ability to make an impact with the new ball, while Krunal provides the versatility of a proven all-rounder. Nitish adds aggressive stroke play and experience at the top of the order, while Shashank and Tewatia bring proven finishing ability. Tripathi adds attacking intent, with Natarajan providing a specialist left-arm pace option.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Marketing and Commercial, Cricket Hong Kong, said, “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. This will surely prove to be a quantum leap forward in terms of viewership and further validation for this iconic tournament.”

India will return to the Hong Kong Sixes looking to go deeper into the competition after opening their 2025 campaign with a two-run DLS victory over Pakistan before exiting the tournament following defeats in their subsequent matches.

The challenge will be formidable, with Pakistan entering the 2026 edition as defending champions after defeating debutants Kuwait in last year’s final to claim a record sixth Hong Kong Sixes title.

The 2026 tournament will feature eight major cricketing nations alongside four Associate Members, setting the stage for three days of fast-paced, attacking cricket at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

The Hong Kong Sixes features a distinctive short-format competition, with six players per side. The tournament compresses the intensity of a full cricket match into a rapid-fire format where boundaries, innovative shots, wickets and momentum shifts come thick and fast.

India squad: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Captain), Krunal Pandya – Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana – Delhi Capitals, Rahul Tripathi, T Natarajan – Delhi Capitals.