Harmanpreet Singh Returns as India Name Strong 24-Member Squad for Crucial European Leg of FIH Pro League 2025-26
Harmanpreet Singh is back to lead the Indian men’s hockey team as Hockey India announced a strong 24-member squad for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26, scheduled across Belgium, the Netherlands and England in June.
The return of Harmanpreet comes as a major boost for India ahead of what could be one of their toughest assignments before the upcoming World Cup cycle intensifies. The drag-flick specialist and captain had missed the Hobart leg of the Pro League earlier this year due to personal reasons, and his comeback immediately strengthens both India’s leadership group and penalty corner threat.
The European tour will see India face some of the strongest hockey nations in the world, including the Netherlands, Germany, England and Pakistan across eight matches.
This stretch of matches is being viewed as a critical checkpoint in India’s long-term preparation for the next Hockey World Cup.
Unlike previous Pro League windows where experimentation often dominated selection discussions, this squad feels significantly more settled and strategic. The core of the team now appears to be taking shape under chief coach Craig Fulton, who continues building a side capable of consistently competing against elite European teams. India will first travel to Brussels for a short preparatory camp and a friendly fixture before moving to Rotterdam, where they will face the Netherlands and Germany.
The squad will then travel to London for high-profile clashes against England and arch-rivals Pakistan. These fixtures are expected to provide India with a far clearer indication of where they currently stand globally.
India’s performances in recent years have repeatedly shown how influential Harmanpreet remains to the overall structure of the side. Beyond his penalty corner conversions, the 30-year-old plays a crucial role in organising India’s defence, controlling transitions and managing high-pressure moments.
Against top European teams that dominate possession and win repeated penalty corners, Harmanpreet’s experience becomes even more valuable. His return also brings stability to a defensive setup that already includes experienced names like Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh. Young defender Amandeep Lakra’s inclusion meanwhile reflects Hockey India’s continued effort to gradually integrate younger players into the senior structure without disrupting the established core.
India’s midfield once again looks highly experienced and balanced. The trio of Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad continues to remain central to India’s tactical identity under Fulton. Hardik’s work rate and defensive recovery, Manpreet’s experience and Vivek’s creativity provide India with multiple tactical dimensions against stronger opposition.
Raj Kumar Pal and Nilakanta Sharma also add depth and versatility, especially in matches where India may need additional defensive stability during longer possession phases from opponents.
One noticeable aspect under Fulton has been India’s improved structure without the ball, particularly against European opposition. The upcoming Pro League matches will once again test whether India can maintain defensive discipline while also remaining aggressive during transitions.
India’s attacking unit continues to feature several familiar names capable of troubling elite defences. Mandeep Singh, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh remain among India’s most dangerous forwards in open play, particularly during fast counter-attacking situations. Selvam Karthi’s inclusion also remains interesting. The young forward continues to be viewed as one of India’s most promising attacking talents because of his pace, direct running and ability to stretch defensive structures.
Aditya Arjun Lalage and Shilanand Lakra further add youthful energy to the squad. Against teams like the Netherlands and Germany who traditionally dominate possession India’s counter-attacking efficiency could become decisive.
While every Pro League fixture carries importance, the two matches against Pakistan men's national hockey team will naturally attract enormous attention across the subcontinent. India-Pakistan hockey contests continue to carry historical significance regardless of current rankings or tournament context.
Pakistan are rebuilding gradually after difficult years internationally, but matches between the two nations remain emotionally charged and highly competitive. For India, these matches will also offer a different tactical challenge compared to the structured European style played by the Netherlands, Germany and England.
Craig Fulton himself acknowledged the importance of this European leg while speaking after the squad announcement. The South African coach emphasised that these matches against elite opposition are exactly what India require at this stage of preparations. And honestly, he is correct.
India have already proven in recent years that they can compete with top teams on their day. The bigger challenge now is consistency. Can India consistently beat or control elite European opposition away from home?
Can they manage difficult game situations better?
Can they remain tactically disciplined across back-to-back matches?
These are the questions this Pro League window is expected to answer.
The European leg may not decide trophies immediately, but it could significantly shape India’s trajectory heading into the next major global cycle. The return of Harmanpreet Singh strengthens the side considerably, while the overall squad still retains a healthy blend of experience and youth. Most importantly, India will now get eight high-intensity matches against world-class opposition within a short period something invaluable ahead of bigger tournaments to come.
And if India can produce strong performances across Rotterdam and London, it would further reinforce the growing belief that this team remains one of the strongest Indian hockey sides of the modern era.
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