Krishan Pathak returns as India announce squad for Hockey Asian Champions Trophy

India recalled Krishan Bahadur Pathak for the first time since December 2025 as they retained the core of the Asian Games winning side that won the Asian Champions Trophy gold medal. Pathak will replace Mohith KS in the team with young defender Amandeep Lakra and Aditya Arjun Lalage who will get a chance to strengthen their chances of sealing a regular place in the senior team. Pathak was India’s leading wicket-taker since PR Sreejesh retired.

However, the 29-year-old was dropped from the side following a reported episode of indiscipline during the South Africa tour and was subsequently dropped from the FIH Pro League squad for February. Since then, Pathak has missed both the Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.

The team will again be led by Harmanpreet Singh, midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh are the two midfielders while the main squad consists of 18 players.

The tournament will mark the return of international hockey to Punjab as the Asian Champions Trophy will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali. Coach Fulton was pleased with the team selected for the tournament and is looking forward to seeing the team play in front of a passionate crowd in Punjab.

“Playing ACT in Punjab will be something special,” said head coach Craig Fulton.

“There’s a mix of youth and experience in this team and we can’t wait to feed the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India and we missed out.”

Jalandhar will host the opening ceremony of the tournament and league matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium from October 27 to November 2.

The competition will then move to Mohali for the knockout rounds, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 4 and the medal matches on November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh International Hockey Stadium.

INDIA SQUAD FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak

Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh

Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh

Reserves/Substitutes: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh.

– The end