As the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) embarks on another thrilling season, the HIL Governing Council Team (HIL GC) and Kalinga Lancers are keen to make strong starts in their quest for playoff berths. Each team features a blend of seasoned international stars and experienced Indian players.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the HIL Governing Council Team took operational control from the UP Rudras franchise to ensure stability for both players and support staff.
HIL Governing Council Team’s Campaign Launch
The HIL Governing Council Team will begin their campaign on January 5 against SG Pipers, led by Captain Hardik Singh. The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with reliable goalkeeping backed by James Mazarelo from England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. The defensive lineup is anchored by veterans like Surender Kumar, who boasts 178 international caps, and Kane Russell, who has over 200 senior caps for New Zealand. Additional support in the defense comes from James Albery (Great Britain) and Indian players Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, and Talem Priyobarta.
In midfield, Hardik Singh will command the team alongside Manmeet Singh, who recently scored six goals in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. Rahul Yadav and Ireland’s experienced midfielder Daragh Walsh will complete the midfield.
The attack is bolstered by experienced names like Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British forward Sam Ward, who have tallied 67 and 216 senior international goals, respectively. They will be joined by Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, and Ajeet Yadav, along with Belgium’s Tanguy Cosyns and New Zealand’s Simon Yorston, adding more firepower to the forward line.
Kalinga Lancers’ Season Outlook
Kalinga Lancers are banking on a strong defensive core and international expertise as they aim to build on their sixth-place finish from last season. In goal, they have options like India’s top goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia’s Jed Snowden, ensuring reliable coverage.
The defense features a notable Belgian trio: co-captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, and Antoine Kina, each bringing significant top-level experience. They are partnered with co-captain Sanjay, whose leadership and drag-flicking capabilities are crucial to the team’s strategy. Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, and Rohit Kullu provide additional strength to the backline.
In midfield, Australian youngsters Liam Henderson and Craig Marias will be joined by India’s Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, and Rosan Kujur. The attacking line for the Lancers includes some of India’s finest players—Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh, and Gursahibjit Singh—complemented by Australia’s Cooper Burns.
Kalinga Lancers will launch their HIL campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026, in Chennai.
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.
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.