It is hard to miss the comparison between Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and Rohit. Both are robust defenders, known for their tactical intelligence and reliability at the back. Then come the pulls – an area where Harmanpreet is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. With 184 goals in 219 matches, according to the FIH, the Indian captain has long been an inspiration to the young Rohit.
In terms of leadership, Harmanpreet has been outstanding, leading India to a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics and the Asia Cup title in 2025. Rohit has also proved his credentials in this regard, leading India to third place at the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2025.
All this naturally led to Rohit being compared to Harmanpreet. In an interview, the Indian captain himself acknowledged Rohit’s qualities and admitted that the defender from Hisar is not easy to overcome when the senior and junior teams face each other in practice matches.
“He is also an excellent defender as he plays the role of the first rusher in the Penalty Corner defence. When we play matches against the junior team, I also find it challenging to beat him,” Harmanpreet said of Rohit as quoted by The Indian Express.
These words only fueled Rohit’s desire to share the field with his idol at the senior level. In an exclusive interaction with India Today, the 21-year-old made it clear that he is not looking to replace Harmanpreet but instead wants to learn alongside him.
“To play alongside Harmanpreet paaji, to be compared with him is an honor for me. To play against him and to play with him is a very good thing. To replace him, I don’t think so. He will play for a long time. I don’t want to say to replace him, but to play with him, learn things from him and improve my game and the team is my aim,” said Rohit.
When asked about Harmanpreet’s praise, Rohit broke into a big smile and explained how such validation from his idol boosts his confidence.
“When I heard that in the beginning, my confidence definitely increased because when the captain of your senior team says something about you, it’s a good feeling. And whenever we played matches between senior and junior teams, it was always a tough fight, attack against defense. Harman paaji is one of the best pullers in the world, so defending against him is difficult but also very enjoyable. This fight in the game gives a different feeling,” said Rohit.
HOCKEY CROSSING
Interestingly, the player who captained India at the junior level was not always drawn to hockey. Growing up in Hisar, Haryana, Rohit was initially inclined towards cricket, the most popular sport in his village.
“In the beginning, as you know, cricket is a famous game in the villages. Whenever the kids get together in the evening, they play cricket. I used to play like that too, and I didn’t have much attachment to hockey. But slowly, when I started going to the ground, I started to develop an interest and I started to like it, so it became a regular thing. And as we kept learning and started playing in new places, and that interest kept growing.” Rohit was initially not attracted to hockey Credit: SG Pipers
It wasn’t the only crossroads on his path. Not long ago, the defender – who serves as the first player on penalty corners – suffered a broken jaw. The injury was a major setback and even made him consider retiring from the sport. However, with strong support from his coaches, teammates and family, Rohit decided to fight back.
“The injury was a tough moment because I rested for three months after that. There was also fear because when the ball comes, you feel like it will hit you in the face again. There were also doubts. But slowly, with the support of the team, the coaching staff and my entire family, the confidence came back. Now we will make an even better comeback,” Rohit said.
PROCEDURE IN HIL
During last year’s Hockey India League, Rohit was part of the young SG Pipers team that caught the attention of many. With former India wicketkeeper and current junior team coach PR Sreejesh as a mentor, the franchise has invested heavily in young talent with Rohit being one of the key prospects.
However, results fell short as SG Pipers finished bottom of the table. Rohit is determined to turn things around this season and doesn’t feel burdened by expectations.
“SG Pipers have always supported the youngsters. There is no pressure; it is motivation for us because of the responsibility given to us. Someone has believed in us so we want to play well and take the team forward. They always tell us to push and express ourselves. There is no dependence on the big players. They support the youngsters so it is a learning opportunity for the players,” Rohit said.
Adding to the experience has strengthened the squad with legendary drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh joining the team after last season’s title win with Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Rohit has already started learning from the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist.
“Rupinder paaji has game sense and game reading, he keeps telling us what to do in difficult situations, how to react in tough matches, what to think and when. He keeps guiding us. He tells us small technical points about the dribble, how to improve it in practice matches. Technically and mentally he helps us improve as players,” said Rohit.
Having Sreejesh as a mentor continues to keep Rohit grounded. As seen during the Junior World Cup, Sreejesh rarely lets his players down, even after big wins.
Rohit noted that Sreejesh’s intensity remains unchanged in the mentor role.
“Whether as a coach or a mentor, expectations are always high from Sreejesh. He is always professional and never compromises. He always says you have to be honest and work hard. He demands 100 percent on the spot and pushes us to improve day by day. He rarely praises. He tells your mistakes and also tells your positives at the right time,” he said. He knows when to say what, and that’s how Roit improves.
SENIOR TEAM DREAM
2026 promises to be a busy year for Indian hockey The World Cup is scheduled for August in the Netherlands and Belgiumfollowed by the Asian Games in September. India coach Craig Fulton has already hinted that performances at the U-21 level will be closely watched.
Rohit believes the Indian Hockey League offers the perfect platform to make an impact, especially after being assured that strong performances will keep the door open to the senior team.
“Yes, we were told that if you perform well here, the door to the senior team is always open. The competition is high, but the coaches and captains have always given us confidence. They say perform well, stay fit and you will get opportunities,” Rohit said.
For now, his goals are clear: stay fit, stay consistent and one day create a torch alongside the man he has long admired.
“My dream this year is to stay fit and maintain consistent performances, mentally, physically and tactically. Getting a chance to play with the senior team will be a dream come true. Playing alongside a player like Harman, recharging his battery, that is definitely my focus. I will continue to work hard, watch and learn so that we can play together one day,” said Rohit.
– The end
Published on:
January 3, 2026
