New Delhi

Midfielder Hardik Singh was on Tuesday named captain of the embattled Indian men’s hockey team for its FIH Pro League matches in Hobart from February 20 to 25, after regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh was left out “due to personal reasons”.

The upcoming leg will feature India alongside Spain and hosts Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart.

India are coming off a disappointing Rourkela leg, where they lost all four matches, including a heavy 0–8 defeat against Argentina.

“After a disappointing four matches in Rourkela, where the results didn’t go our way, we’ve learned some good lessons and made some notable improvements,” head coach Craig Fulton said.

New captain Hardik is a two-time Olympic bronze medallist. The squad also includes youngsters Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh, who made their senior team debuts during the Rourkela leg.

“Harmanpreet Singh will not be part of the squad due to personal reasons,” Hockey India said in a statement.

Suraj Karkera and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar will share goalkeeping duties. Mohith replaces Pawan, who featured in the Rourkela leg.

The defence will be marshalled by experienced campaigners Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay and Sumit, along with young talents Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach and Poovanna Chandura Boby.

In midfield, Hardik will be supported by Sanjay, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal, Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh and Vishnu Kant Singh.

The forward line will be led by established names such as Mandeep Singh, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra. Striker Maninder Singh returns to the national side after last featuring in the Pro League in the 2023–24 season.

Another forward, Angad Bir Singh, also makes a comeback, while youngsters Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage complete the attacking unit.

“Going into the Hobart leg, we’re aiming for improved performances and looking to finalise our squad for the World Cup and the Asian Games,” Fulton said.

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India’s Squad

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, Poovanna Chandura Boby
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal
Forwards: Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Angad Bir Singh, Maninder Singh