FIH Pro League Hockey: A New Era Dawns with Amandeep Lakra and Young Talents
In a season marked by transition and renewal, the Indian men's hockey team is set to turn the page from recent controversies, with promising drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra stepping into the spotlight. As India prepares to face formidable opponents Belgium and Argentina in the FIH Pro League, the focus shifts to fresh faces and emerging talents, signaling a deliberate move toward rebuilding and evolution.
Moving Beyond the Manpreet Singh Omission
The omission of former captain Manpreet Singh from the squad dominated headlines and sparked intense debate, overshadowing India's preparations for the new season. However, head coach Craig Fulton's selection of young players like Araijeet Singh Hundal, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur underscores a strategic shift. These selections highlight a quiet but significant transition, as India seeks to blend experience with youthful energy ahead of critical tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games in 2026.
The Pro League matches in Rourkela against Belgium and Argentina will serve as an early audit of Fulton's evolving vision. These games offer a platform to test new combinations, blood untested talent, and begin shaping a cohesive unit. For India, this season is about balancing experimentation with the eventual need for certainty, making every match a crucial step in the journey forward.
Amandeep Lakra: The Drag-Flicker in Focus
Few debuts in recent years have generated as much intrigue as that of penalty-corner specialist Amandeep Lakra. At 23, Lakra has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian hockey, showcasing his prowess in the recent Hockey India League (HIL). When drag-flick maestro Gonzalo Peillat was injured, Lakra seized the opportunity, playing nearly 60 minutes per game and scoring nine goals in 10 matches, all from penalty corners. His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award and caught the attention of Coach Fulton.
India may not be actively searching for a successor to captain Harmanpreet Singh, but the team clearly needs a reliable ally to share the drag-flicking burden. While Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Amit Rohidas have been tried, none have offered the consistency required. Lakra's ability to step up under pressure suggests he could be the answer, though his real test will be adapting to the relentless grind of international hockey.
Young Talents Ready to Shine
Araijeet Singh Hundal, a 22-year-old striker returning from injury, brings a different dimension to India's attack. Coach Fulton values his strong aerial presence, ability to hold the ball under pressure, and knack for creating space for teammates. Hundal, who was set to be a key player at the Junior World Cup before his injury, now faces the challenge of translating his promise into sustained impact at the senior level.
In midfield, Rosan Kujur and Manmeet Singh represent a refreshing new generation. Kujur's dynamic style, characterized by pace, vertical running, and direct intent, allows him to break defensive structures with sharp accelerations and incisive passing. His maturity in high-tempo situations has been particularly impressive. In contrast, Manmeet offers composure and vision, excelling in ball retention and distribution to maintain control in midfield. Together, they provide a balanced core that hints at continuity without sacrificing evolution.
Leadership and Transition in Indian Hockey
Captain Harmanpreet Singh expressed optimism about the young players, stating, "I am very happy to see youngsters like Amandeep, Manmeet and Rosan earning their opportunities in the squad. This is the right time for them to step up at the international level." The Pro League offers a vital stage for these talents to prove themselves, as Indian hockey embraces a gradual changing of the guard with younger legs and fresher ideas.
With Junior India coach PR Sreejesh prioritizing preparations for the Junior World Cup last year, many of these players missed sustained exposure at the senior level. Now, as the team moves forward, the Pro League becomes a crucible where promise can turn into proof, and intrigue can give way to intent. India's fixtures against Belgium and Argentina will be broadcast live on Jio Hostar and Star Sports Network at 7:30 PM, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Indian hockey.
