Manpreet Singh Omitted from Hockey Pro League Squad as India Enters Transition Phase
In a surprising move that has sparked debate within hockey circles, former Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh has been dropped from the 33-member national team core group for the upcoming Hockey Pro League matches. The decision comes at a poignant moment for Manpreet, who is just one game away from equalling the record for India's most-capped player, making his exclusion particularly notable.
Coach Fulton Cites Workload Management and Youth Assessment
Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton explained the decision, stating that the team management is strategically rotating the squad following the recently concluded Hockey India League. "Post the Hero Hockey India League, we felt this was the right time to rotate the squad," Fulton said. "We've rested a few senior players to manage workload, while rewarding performances from players who've earned their opportunity."
However, Manpreet's omission stands out as he is the only senior outfield player to be left out of the squad. A senior Hockey India official clarified that this is part of a broader strategy to assess young talent ahead of a packed season, which includes the World Cup in August and the Asian Games. "It is the coach's decision. He wanted to test new players and saw Pro League as an opportunity to do it. Manpreet will be back in the squad for the next national team assignment," the official assured.
Pro League Camp in Rourkela Marks Start of Busy Season
The national camp is scheduled to commence in Rourkela next week, forming a crucial part of India's preparations for the FIH Pro League home leg at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium from February 10 to 15. This home leg represents India's first competitive assignment of the year and signals the beginning of a deliberate transition phase.
The selectors have opted to blend experience with emerging talent, resting several senior players to manage their workload while integrating youngsters who showcased promise during the Hockey India League. This approach aims to gauge the readiness of these players at the international level after they gained valuable exposure alongside top global stars in the domestic league.
Squad Composition Highlights Focus on Building Depth
The 33-member squad features a mix of established names and fresh faces across all positions:
- Goalkeepers: Pawan, Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar, and Princedeep Singh.
- Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sumit, Poovanna Chandura Boby, Yashdeep Siwach, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Amandeep Lakra.
- Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, and Rosan Kujur. The absence of Manpreet Singh here underscores the management's intent to test new combinations and build squad depth.
- Forwards: Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Angad Bir Singh, Uttam Singh, Selvam Karthi, Aditya Arjun Lalage, and Maninder Singh.
Coach Fulton emphasized the importance of the Pro League legs in Rourkela and the subsequent matches in Hobart, noting they are "an important part of the selection process as we move towards finalising the World Cup and Asian Games squad."
While Manpreet Singh's temporary exclusion may raise eyebrows, it reflects a calculated move by the team management to balance experience with youth development as India gears up for a demanding international calendar.
