Men's Hockey India League 2026: Teams Gear Up for Thrilling Season
Exciting Season Ahead for Men's Hockey India League
The Men's Hockey India League (HIL) is set to kick off another thrilling season, with the HIL Governing Council Team and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers eager to make impactful starts and secure playoff positions. Both teams feature a mix of seasoned international players and skilled Indian athletes, as highlighted in a recent announcement.
In preparation for the 2026 season, the HIL Governing Council Team has assumed control from the UP Rudras franchise, ensuring a seamless transition for players and coaching staff.
HIL Governing Council Team Overview
The HIL Governing Council Team will commence their season on January 5 against SG Pipers, led by Captain Hardik Singh, who balances youth and experience.
In goal, the team can rely on James Mazarelo from England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. The defense will be anchored by experienced players like Surender Kumar, who has 178 international caps, and Kane Russell, who boasts over 200 caps for New Zealand. Additional support comes from James Albery of Great Britain and Indian players Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, and Talem Priyobarta.
In the midfield, Hardik Singh will lead alongside Manmeet Singh, who recently netted six goals at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup. They will be joined by Rahul Yadav and Ireland's Daragh Walsh.
The forward line features notable players such as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British striker Sam Ward, who have scored 67 and 216 senior international goals, respectively. Other forwards include Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, Ajeet Yadav, Belgium's Tanguy Cosyns, and New Zealand's Simon Yorston.
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers Preview
The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers aim to build on their previous season's sixth-place finish by focusing on a robust defense and international experience.
In goal, they have India's top goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia's Jed Snowden, ensuring a solid defensive line.
The defense is led by a prominent Belgian trio: Co-Captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, and Antoine Kina, complemented by Co-Captain Sanjay, whose leadership and drag-flicking skills are vital. Additional defenders include Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, and Rohit Kullu.
The midfield features young Australian talents Liam Henderson and Craig Marias, supported by India's Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, and Rosan Kujur.
Up front, the Lancers have a dynamic attacking lineup with top Indian players like Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh, and Gursahibjit Singh, along with Australia's Cooper Burns. The Lancers will face Ranchi Royals in their opening match on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.
HIL 2026: Official Team Rosters
HIL Governing Council Team Squad: James Mazarelo (Great Britain), Prashant Kumar Chauhan, James Albery (Great Britain), Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Haris, Surender Kumar, Kane Russell (New Zealand), Prasant Barla, Talem Priyobarta, Hardik Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rahul Yadav, Daragh Walsh (Ireland), Simon Yorston (New Zealand), Ajeet Yadav, Sudeep Chirmako, Sam Ward (Great Britain), Tanguy Cosyns (Belgium), Gurjot Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay.
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers Squad: Jed Snowden (Australia), Krishan B Pathak, Sunil PB, Antoine Kina (Belgium), Pratap Lakra, Arthur Van Doren (Belgium), Rohit Kullu, Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium), Sanjay, Craig Marais (Australia), Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, Liam Henderson (Australia), Rosan Kujur, Gursahibjit Singh, Cooper Burns (Australia), Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami.