Krunal Pandya replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar as India captain for Hong Kong Sixes
Krunal Pandya takes over as India captain for the Hong Kong Sixes after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to the national T20I squad for New Zealand.
Krunal Pandya has been named captain of India’s seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes after Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to the national T20I team. The 36-year-old fast bowler will miss the tournament, which runs from 30 October to 1 November. Gujarat Titans pacer Kulwant Khejroliya replaces him in the squad.
The side also includes Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T. Natarajan. Krunal has not played for India in five years but has captained Baroda and Lucknow Super Giants in the past. Bhuvneshwar had initially been appointed captain for the Hong Kong event.
India will face Pakistan and the UAE in their Group C matches. Bhuvneshwar’s return marks his first international call-up since November 2022.
CricHubb Take
Bhuvneshwar’s recall after four years shows that proven swing bowling at the death remains a scarce resource that selectors will prioritise even at short notice.