India will be without regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in Hobart, midfielder Hardik Singh will be named captain for the February 20-25 match. Harmanpreet opted out due to “personal reasons”, Hockey India confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
The change in leadership comes at a trying time for the Indian men’s team, which suffered a forgettable outing in the Rourkela leg, losing all four matches. The low point was a stunning 0-8 defeat to Argentina, a result that exposed defensive frailties and dented confidence.
In Hobart, India take on Spain and host Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre, with momentum expected to resume midway through the tournament.
“After a disappointing four games in Rourkela where the results didn’t go our way, we learned some good lessons and made some notable improvements,” said head coach Craig Fulton. “Going into Hobart, we will be looking to perform better and try to complete our squad for the World Cup and the Asian Games.”
Hardik, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, is now taking on the side experience of youth. The backstop has been one of India’s most consistent players in recent years and will be tasked with keeping the group going after a turbulent phase.
Suraj Karkera and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar will split the wicketkeeping duties with Mohith replacing Pawan from the previous match. Experienced names like Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay and Sumit will lead the defense alongside promising youngsters Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach and Poovanna Chandura Boby.
In midfield, Hardik will be supported by Vivek Sagar Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal, Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh and Vishnu Kant Singh.
The forward line includes established forwards Mandeep Singh, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra. Striker Maninder Singh returns to the national team after making his last appearance in the 2023-24 Pro League season, while Angad Bir Singh is back on his first international tour. Young strikers Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage complete the squad.
THE INDIAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, Poovanna Chandura Boby.
Reserves: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal.
Attackers: Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Angad Bir Singh, Maninder Singh.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 17, 2026