Top 10 Players to Watch in the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25
Check out the top players set to dominate the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25. From India’s rising stars to international talents, here are the top 10 athletes to follow.

The Men’s Hockey India League is back! After seven years, the wait is finally over. This exciting tournament will start on December 28, 2024. It will last for almost a month. The final match is scheduled for February 1, 2025. Most matches will happen at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. It is the largest fully seated hockey stadium in the world.
The event will showcase top talent from India and around the world. Players from countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Australia will also join. Even with the withdrawal of 21 international players, the tournament promises to bring high-quality competition. Now, let’s look at the top 10 players to keep an eye on this season.
Table of Contents
Toggle10. Dilraj Singh (Delhi SG Pipers)
Dilraj Singh, a 19-year-old forward, was signed by the Delhi SG Pipers for Rs 5 lakhs. He has scored 10 goals in 12 matches for the junior team. At the Sultan of Johor Cup, he netted 3 goals, and later, he scored 7 goals in the Junior Asia Cup 2024.
Dilraj’s speed and ability to score from either side of the field make him a promising player. His composed finishing adds to his forward abilities.
9. Araijeet Singh Hundal (Team Gonasika)
Araijeet Singh Hundal, 20, has already shown his skills for the senior team, scoring 5 goals. He has also scored 31 goals in 34 matches at the junior level. Team Gonasika signed him for Rs 42 lakhs.
Hundal is known for his great scoring skills. He was named Player of the Tournament in the Junior Asia Cup. He scored 10 goals in total, with 4 of them in the final against Pakistan. His strong drag flicks during penalty corners make him a real threat.
8. Jeremy Hayward (Soorma Hockey Club)
Jeremy Hayward, an experienced Australian defender, was picked by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 42 lakhs. Hayward has played 233 matches and scored over 120 goals for Australia. He has been a part of Australia’s successful campaigns, including their 2014 World Cup win.
Hayward’s drag-flicking skills and vast experience make him one of the most valuable players in the tournament.
7. Krishan Pathak (Kalinga Lancers)
Krishan Pathak, India’s first-choice goalkeeper, was signed by the Kalinga Lancers for Rs 32 lakhs. Pathak has 134 caps for the Indian national team.
For years, he worked alongside the legendary PR Sreejesh. Pathak played in major tournaments like the FIH World Cup 2023 and the Asian Games 2022, adding strength to his resume.
6. Blake Govers (Tamil Nadu Dragons)
Australian star Blake Govers will be playing for the Tamil Nadu Dragons. They signed him for Rs 27 lakhs. Govers is an all-rounder, who can score goals, create chances, and deliver powerful drag-flicks.
He has an impressive record, with 239 goals in 167 matches. His recent form includes 12 goals in the FIH Pro League and 7 goals at the Paris Olympics 2024.
5. Rupinder Pal Singh (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers)
Rupinder Pal Singh helped India win a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. He will play for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. He was purchased for Rs 12.5 lakhs.
Rupinder, a defender and drag-flicker, has scored 125 goals in 223 international matches. Though he last played for India in 2021, he will be looking to prove that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
4. Gonzalo Peillat (Hyderabad Toofans)
Hyderabad Toofans made Gonzalo Peillat the most expensive overseas player, signing him for Rs 68 lakhs. Peillat was part of the Argentina team that won gold at the 2016 Olympics and Germany’s 2023 World Cup-winning team.
Peillat has played over 150 international matches, scoring 180 goals. His ability to score in crucial moments, like the semi-final goal at the Paris Olympics, makes him one to watch.
3. Alexander Hendrickx (Kalinga Lancers)
The Kalinga Lancers grabbed Alexander Hendrickx, one of the world’s best drag-flickers, for Rs 23 lakhs. The Belgian defender helped his team win the 2018 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Hendrickx has scored 168 goals in 198 international matches. His consistent scoring ability was on display at the FIH Pro League and the Paris Olympics 2024.
2. Hardik Singh (UP Rudras)
Hardik Singh, who was signed by UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakhs, is one of India’s key midfielders. He has helped India win back-to-back Olympic medals and has scored 11 goals in 142 appearances.
Hardik is known for his ball-handling skills and his ability to create chances from the midfield. His leadership will be crucial for the UP Rudras this season.
1. Harmanpreet Singh (Soorma Hockey Club)
Harmanpreet Singh was the most expensive player in the auction, signed by Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 78 lakhs. With 212 goals in 241 matches, Harmanpreet is one of the best defenders and drag-flickers in the world.
He was the top scorer at the Paris Olympics 2024, with 10 goals, and was named FIH Player of the Year 2024. Harmanpreet’s skills will be key to Soorma Hockey Club’s success.
Conclusion
These players are set to make a big impact in the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25. With their skills, experience, and hunger to win, they will keep fans excited throughout the tournament. Don’t miss the action as these stars light up the field.
ALSO READ: Hockey India League 2024-25: Full Schedule, Where To Watch; All You Need To Know