Harmanpreet Singh opts out, Hardik to lead Indian team in FIH pro league matches

Hardik Singh was on Tuesday named captain of the Indian men’s hockey team for the FIH Pro League matches in Hobart , Australia , from February 20 to 25, after regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh opted out due to personal reasons.

India will face Australia and Spain at the Tasmania Hockey Centre, aiming to recover from a poor Rourkela leg where the team lost all four matches, including a 0–8 defeat to Argentina . Hockey India said Harmanpreet will miss the tour as he is set to welcome his second child.

Coach Craig Fulton said the team had learned valuable lessons from the setbacks and was focused on improved performances in Hobart while finalising combinations for the World Cup and Asian Games .

Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Hardik will lead a squad combining experience and youth. Goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar will share duties, while the defence features senior players like Amit Rohidas and Jarmanpreet Singh alongside youngsters including Amandeep Lakra .

The midfield will be anchored by Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Raj Kumar Pal , while the forward line includes established names Mandeep Singh and Abhishek . Maninder Singh returns to the national side after last playing in the 2023–24 Pro League, with young attackers Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage also included.

India will look to use the Hobart leg as a turning point after recent struggles and build momentum ahead of major international tournaments.