Outplayed at home, the Indian men’s hockey team will look to reset under new skipper Hardik Singh when it begins the FIH Pro League overseas leg against Spain in Hobart on Saturday.
The Hobart leg, which also features host Australia, runs until February 25 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre.
After the opener against Spain, a high-intensity clash against Australia awaits on Sunday. India meets Spain again on February 24 before concluding the leg with a final match against Australia on February 25.
India and Spain have been evenly matched in their last 10 encounters, with four regulation wins apiece and two draws that India converted in shootouts.
Against Australia, however, the numbers tilt the other way. The host holds the edge in the last 10 meetings, with six wins to India’s two, alongside two draws, in what have often been high-scoring contests.
The recent Rourkela leg proved a painful learning curve, with losses to Argentina and Belgium exposing familiar frailties. Regular captain Harmanpreet Singh has pulled out due to “personal reasons”.
India will view these fixtures as a crucial opportunity to test combinations and tighten its structure ahead of the upcoming FIH World Cup and the subsequent Asian Games.
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Young turks
The side features young players like Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh, both of whom are looking to build on their recent senior debuts.
“It is a tremendous honour to lead the national team in a prestigious tournament like the Pro League. While we will certainly miss Harmanpreet’s presence on the pitch, his absence provides a valuable opportunity for the rest of the group to step up and take charge,” said Hardik.
“As a team, we have reviewed our recent matches, learned our lessons, and are entering Hobart with a highly positive and aggressive mindset,” asserted the mid-field mainstay.
Rising stars such as Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage will also be eager to prove their mettle in the forward line.
Rising stars such as Angad Bir Singh (in picture), Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage will also be eager to prove their mettle.
| Photo Credit:
BISWARANJAN ROUT
Rising stars such as Angad Bir Singh (in picture), Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage will also be eager to prove their mettle.
| Photo Credit:
BISWARANJAN ROUT
Sharing his thoughts on the young additions to the squad, Hardik said, “I am incredibly excited about the new faces joining us for this tour. Youngsters bring very fresh, fearless energy to our attacking lineup.
“They have worked exceptionally hard to earn their spots, and playing against top-tier teams like Australia and Spain is the perfect platform for them to express themselves.
“The entire group is motivated to support them, execute our plans, and play the brand of hockey India is known for.”
Published on Feb 20, 2026
