Hockey India Takes Firm Stance, Drops Senior Players Over Disciplinary Breaches
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Indian hockey circles, Hockey India has made the tough decision to exclude several senior players from the list of probables for the upcoming FIH Pro League season. This move comes in response to serious disciplinary issues that surfaced during the national team's recent tour of South Africa in December.
Disciplinary Incident During South Africa Tour
According to sources familiar with the matter, a serious case of indiscipline came to light during India's three-match Test series in South Africa from December 2 to 16. The incident involved multiple players, including veteran midfielder and former captain Manpreet Singh, forward Dilpreet Singh, and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak. A fourth player was also reportedly involved, though their identity remains undisclosed.
The players were found to have provided a banned substance to a teammate during the tour, an action that prompted immediate concern from team management. While the players subsequently apologized for their conduct, the Hockey India selection committee decided that the breach warranted exclusion from the upcoming national camp and Pro League preparations.
Manpreet Singh's Notable Absence
The omission of Manpreet Singh has particularly raised eyebrows across the hockey fraternity. The 33-year-old midfielder, who recently co-captained Ranchi Royals to the Hockey India League final, is one of Indian hockey's most experienced campaigners. This marks the first time in nearly 15 years that Manpreet has failed to make the list of probables for a major tournament.
Manpreet's credentials are impressive: he was a key member of India's bronze medal-winning teams at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Additionally, he stands just one international appearance away from becoming the joint-most capped Indian men's player with 412 matches, a record currently held by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.
Impact on Team Composition
The dropped players were conspicuously absent from the list of probables announced for the national camp scheduled from February 1 to 7. This camp precedes the India leg of the FIH Pro League, which begins next month in Rourkela. India will open their campaign against Argentina on February 11, with matches scheduled from February 10 to 15 against several top international teams.
Hockey India has maintained official silence on the disciplinary matter, but the selection committee's decision sends a clear message about maintaining discipline standards as the team prepares for a crucial international season. The Pro League represents an important preparatory phase for upcoming major tournaments, making team harmony and discipline paramount concerns.
Probables List for FIH Pro League
The revised list of probables includes:
Goalkeepers: Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Shashikumar, Princedeep Singh
Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Rosan Kujur
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Maninder Singh
This development underscores Hockey India's commitment to maintaining discipline standards while balancing the need for experienced leadership. The absence of senior players creates opportunities for younger talent to step up during the Pro League, potentially reshaping team dynamics ahead of future international competitions.
