Five top players to watch out for in the Hockey India League 2024

The Hockey India League 2024-25 will start from 28th December 2024 with eight teams participating in the tournament. The new edition after seven years will have multiple international stars as the number of teams have gone significantly higher. With two phases and growing interest due to two bronze medals in the hockey Olympics, the season will be one to remember.

The premier hockey tournament is set to unfurl in front of our eyes and the fans will be expecting Indian and international players to set the league on fire.

Here are the five top players to watch out for in the Hockey India League 2024-25: 

1. Hardik Singh - UP Rudras

The clutch player of the Indian hockey team, Hardik Singh will be a vital cog for UP Rudras. The club signed him up for INR 70 lakhs in the HIL auction 2024. The player, who has a great understanding of the game, Hardik Singh is known for his exceptional ball control and vision. 

Hardik is known for all-round capability with a passing accuracy above 80%, scoring numerous goal-scoring opportunities. The player’s ability to find passes in tight spaces and relieve the team from pressures makes him the premier midfielder in Asia. He will be one of the top players to watch out for in the upcoming edition of the tournament. 

2. Harmanpreet Singh - Soorma Hockey Club

Famously known as “Kaptaan Saab” by the Hockey India fraternity, India's captain and penalty corner specialist, Harmanpreet Singh, will be representing Soorma Hockey Club after the side brought him for a fee of INR 78 lakhs. He is the highest-paid player in the HIL 2024 auction history and the side will expect him to deliver like he did for the national side in Paris. 

The match-winner with his drag flicks, Harmanpreet Singh is also an exceptional defender and leader. The Punjab-born player has converted 4 out of 10 penalty corners- a lethal drag flicker in the box. He has also showed his capability of controlling the game from the back line, adding a different dimension to the side. 

3. Amit Rohidas - Tamil Nadu Dragons

The rock-solid defender has earned a reputation as one of India’s most fearless players. Amit Rohidas, the first rusher during the penalty corners, has been applauded by multiple coaches. Tamil Nadu Dragons splurged INR 48 lakhs to secure the services of the former Indian vice-captain. Amit’s performance for the country in the defense has been always applauded. He has an impressive tackle success rate of 80%.

Amit is also a strong penalty corner option, adding a unique dimension to the attack of the side. The performances in multiple international tournaments  has highlighted his importance, with the player being able to keep clean sheets. 

4. Gonzalo Peillat - Hyderabad Toofans 

The most expensive overseas player in the Hockey India League auction, Gonzalo Peillat, will be wanting to hit the ground running in the HIL. Lapped up by Hyderabad Toofans after an intensive bidding war, the now German international will be expected to perform with his drag flicks and reading of the game. 

After plying his trade for Argentina in the early years and debuting for Germany in 2022, Peillat’s career statistics tell a great story. With over 180 international goals across all competitions, he will be one to watch out for in the tournament. Given his on-field leadership capabilities, the 32-year-old will play a pivotal role in Hyderabad Toofan’s fortunes in the upcoming edition of the Hockey India league. 

5. Alexander Hendrickx - Kalinga Lancers

The steal of the Hockey India League auction 2024, signed for just INR 23 lakhs, the Belgian international will be hoping to leave a great mark in the sixth edition of the tournament. One of the best drag flickers in the world currently, Alexander Hendrickx will be forming a strong backline with Arthur van Doren and Antoine Kina for his side, Kalinga Lancers.

The 31-year-old has a remarkable penalty-corner conversion rate of 50% in major international tournaments, and his Olympic stats of 14 goals in the Tokyo Olympics will make him one of the star players to watch out for. His performance at the Tokyo Olympics, helping Belgium win gold, demonstrated his capability in both attack and defense. He will be a major part of the Kalinga Lancers jigsaw puzzle.