India to Face FIH Pro League Matches Without Captain Harmanpreet Singh
India’s national hockey team will have a new captain for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Hobart. Regular captain Harmanpreet Singh has decided to withdraw from the tournament, citing “personal reasons.” Midfielder Hardik Singh has been appointed to lead the team during this leg, taking place from February 20 to 25.
This change comes at a tough moment for the Indian team, which faced a disappointing run in their previous matches in Rourkela, losing all four games. The most significant setback was a staggering 0-8 loss to Argentina, which highlighted the team’s defensive issues and affected their confidence.
In Hobart, India will compete against Spain and the host nation, Australia. The team is eager to regain momentum and improve their performance as they continue in the tournament.
Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed optimism about the upcoming matches. “After the tough four matches in Rourkela, where things didn’t go as planned, we’ve learned valuable lessons and made some improvements,” he said. “In Hobart, we aim to perform better and finalize our squad for the World Cup and the Asian Games.”
Hardik Singh, who has won Olympic bronze medals twice, will take the reins of a team that combines experienced players with younger talent. Known for his consistent performances, Hardik will be looking to guide the team after a challenging phase.
In goal, Suraj Karkera and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar will share duties, with Mohith stepping in for Pawan from the last leg. The defense will consist of seasoned players like Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit, along with promising newcomers Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, and Poovanna Chandura Boby.
In midfield, Hardik will have support from Vivek Sagar Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal, Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, and Vishnu Kant Singh.
The forward line includes notable players like Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shilanand Lakra. Striker Maninder Singh returns to the team, while Angad Bir Singh will be making his debut on the international stage. Young talents Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage complete the squad.
India Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Suraj Karkera
- Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders:
- Amit Rohidas
- Jarmanpreet Singh
- Jugraj Singh
- Sanjay
- Sumit
- Amandeep Lakra
- Yashdeep Siwach
- Poovanna Chandura Boby
Midfielders:
- Rajinder Singh
- Manmeet Singh
- Vivek Sagar Prasad
- Hardik Singh
- Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh
- Vishnu Kant Singh
- Raj Kumar Pal
Forwards:
- Abhishek
- Shilanand Lakra
- Mandeep Singh
- Araijeet Singh Hundal
- Aditya Arjun Lalage
- Angad Bir Singh
- Maninder Singh
This upcoming leg is crucial for India as they seek to bounce back and build momentum in the tournament.
