भुवनेश्वर कुमार Out, Krunal Pandya Named Captain

By Virall Editorial Team · Published 17 Oct 2026, 02:22 PM IST

In a surprising turn of events, the Indian cricket establishment has announced a major reshuffle ahead of the next international tournament. Veteran bowler भुवनेश्वर कुमार has been omitted from the squad, while all-rounder Krunal Pandya has been handed the captaincy. The decision has dominated headlines across Hindi news portals and is now trending on Google India.

What happened

According to reports from AajTak, ABP News and News18 Hindi, भुवनेश्वर कुमार was left out of the final 15‑man squad for the upcoming series. The same sources state that Krunal Pandya, who has been a regular feature in the limited‑overs side, will lead the team as captain. No official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been released at the time of writing, but the media consensus points to a strategic shift aimed at injecting fresh leadership.

Why it is trending

The news has quickly risen on Google Trends (IN) because भुवनेश्वर कुमार has been a consistent presence in India’s bowling attack for several years. His exclusion raises questions about form, fitness and the direction the selectors are taking. Simultaneously, Krunal Pandya’s elevation to captaincy is seen as a bold move, given his relatively limited experience in leading a national side. Fans and analysts are debating the impact of these changes on team balance, especially ahead of a high‑stakes tournament.

Key facts

भुवनेश्वर कुमार has been dropped from the Indian squad for the upcoming tournament.
Krunal Pandya is named the new captain of Team India.
The announcement was reported by major Hindi news outlets including AajTak, ABP News and News18 Hindi.
No official BCCI press release has been issued yet; reports suggest the decision was taken after internal deliberations.
The story has entered the top trending searches on Google India, reflecting widespread public interest.

What to watch next

Observers will be looking for a formal statement from the BCCI clarifying the rationale behind भुवनेश्वर कुमार’s omission and Krunal Pandya’s appointment. The upcoming squad announcement will reveal whether additional changes are on the table, such as new batting or bowling inclusions. Fans will also monitor Krunal Pandya’s leadership style during the tournament’s opening matches, as his decisions on field placements and bowling rotations could set the tone for India’s campaign.

FAQ

Will भुवनेश्वर कुमार return to the team later?

Reports suggest that the selectors may keep the door open for a comeback if his form improves or if injuries create a vacancy, but no definitive timeline has been provided.

How much experience does Krunal Pandya have as captain?

Krunal Pandya has captained his IPL franchise on several occasions, but this will be his first stint as captain of the senior national side, according to available information.

What impact could this change have on India’s performance?

Analysts argue that the shift could bring a fresh tactical perspective, though the loss of an experienced bowler like भुवनेश्वर कुमार might affect depth in the pace attack. The ultimate effect will become clearer as the tournament unfolds.

Sources and related reports

Written with AI assistance from the reports linked above. This older article was created before our current fact-checking process and is being reviewed. Based on information available at 17 Oct 2026, 02:22 PM IST; details may change. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will correct it. See our editorial policy.

About the author

Virall Editorial Team — Virall explains what India is searching for, using publicly reported sources. Articles are drafted with AI assistance and automatically fact-checked against the cited reports.