New Delhi: Hockey India announced a 24-member men’s squad for the upcoming four-match Australia tour, which is set to begin on August 15 in Perth. The series is crucial for India’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar. The winner of the Asia Cup 2025 will directly qualify for the next year’s FIH World Cup.
Harmanpreet and Co. will take on the Aussies on August 15, 16, 19 and 21 at the same venue. The two teams have recently faced each other in the FIH Pro League in Europe, where Australia beat India 3–2 in both legs.
The Men in Blue included young defender Poovanna CB in the team, which will be led by Harmanpreet Singh. Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera are the goalkeepers in the team, while Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Jugraj Singh are the defenders.
Talented young midfielder Rajinder Singh has been included in the squad along with Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem and Vishnu Kant Singh.
While Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi and Aditya Lalage are the forwards in the squad. Team India is currently training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus and will leave for Australia on Friday from Bengaluru.
India’s head coach, Craig Fulton, said that the team is heading to Australia to sharpen up ahead of the Asia Cup, and the focus will be on improving the physical condition and technical execution through training and warm-up games.
“We have brought in some younger players to give them valuable exposure and test combinations under pressure. This camp is a key part of our preparation and a chance to build individual and team momentum before competing at home,” Fulton said.
India’s hockey squad for Australia tour
Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karker.
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Jugraj Singh,Poovanna C.
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Vishnu Kant Sing.
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Selvam Karthi and Aditya Lalage.