As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) prepares to return in 2026, JSW Soorma Hockey Club and SG Pipers enter the season with contrasting philosophies but similar ambitions.
Soorma arrive as a settled unit built around proven international match-winners, while the Pipers have opted for a strategic reset, investing in leadership, structure and emerging Indian talent. A SWOT analysis of both squads reveals where each side holds an edge and where vulnerabilities could be tested in a demanding league format.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club
- Leadership: Harmanpreet Singh
- Head Coach: Philippe Goldberg
- Mentor: Sardar Singh
- 2025 Finish: Third
- Opening Match: 4 January vs Shrachi Bengal Tigers (Chennai)
Strengths: Soorma’s biggest strength lies in their elite defensive spine and set-piece dominance. Captain Harmanpreet Singh remains the world’s most reliable drag-flicker and a proven leader, fresh off completing 250 international caps. His presence alone guarantees scoring opportunities in tight matches.
Behind him stands Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch, a three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, whose experience and shot-stopping ability bring calm under pressure. The backline is further fortified by Australian defender Jeremy Hayward, another elite drag-flick option, giving Soorma dual threats on penalty corners — a significant tactical advantage.
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In midfield, Victor Wegnez offers world-class control and tempo management, complemented by Vivek Sagar Prasad’s defensive discipline. Up front, Akashdeep Singh’s experience and Dayaan Cassiem’s pace provide variety, allowing Soorma to adapt between possession-based play and quick transitions.
Weaknesses: Soorma’s reliance on experienced internationals could become a concern over a long season with congested fixtures. Depth beyond the core group may be tested if injuries occur, particularly in defence and midfield. Additionally, the team’s attacking play can sometimes become predictable, leaning heavily on set-pieces rather than open-play creativity.
Opportunities: With a stable coaching structure and leadership group, Soorma have a clear opportunity to convert consistency into a title push. The presence of multiple drag-flickers allows tactical flexibility against teams that concede fewer penalty corners. Young Indian players in the squad also have a chance to grow under elite mentorship.
Threats: Opponents that defend penalty corners effectively could blunt Soorma’s primary scoring weapon. Teams with high-tempo pressing may also look to disrupt their midfield rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting controlled build-up.
SG Pipers
- Captain: Jarmanpreet Singh
- Director of Hockey: PR Sreejesh
- Head Coach: Tim Oudenaller
- Opening Match: 5 January vs HIL Governing Council Team (Chennai)
Strengths: SG Pipers’ greatest asset is their renewed leadership and defensive solidity. Jarmanpreet Singh, with 142 international caps, provides composure and authority at the back. Alongside him, Varun Kumar and Rupinder Pal Singh form a formidable set-piece unit, giving the Pipers genuine scoring threat from penalty corners.
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The appointment of PR Sreejesh as Director of Hockey is a major structural advantage. His understanding of elite performance standards is already evident in the squad’s balance. In goal, Argentina’s Tomás Santiago brings international pedigree, while the midfield gains dynamism through Wales international Jacob Draper.
In attack, Tomás Domene offers clinical finishing, and the inclusion of Dilraj Singh a standout from the 2025 Junior World Cup adds youthful unpredictability and pace.
Weaknesses: The Pipers’ rebuilt squad may require time to gel, particularly with a mix of new international signings and young Indian players. Chemistry in attacking transitions and defensive coordination could be tested early in the season. A lack of long-standing combinations may also affect decision-making in close matches.
Opportunities: SG Pipers have a clear opportunity to surprise established teams with their structured defence and set-piece efficiency. Young players like Dilraj Singh stand to gain immensely from exposure at this level, potentially emerging as breakout stars. The leadership of Sreejesh off the field could help fast-track the team’s tactical maturity.
Threats: Inexperience in high-pressure league situations remains the biggest risk. Against teams with settled cores, the Pipers may struggle if early results do not go their way. Managing expectations while building cohesion will be critical.
JSW Soorma Hockey Club enter HIL 2026 as a polished, battle-hardened unit built to win immediately, while SG Pipers represent a long-term project with the potential to peak at the right time. If Soorma’s defensive leaders stay fit and their attack finds more variety, they remain genuine title contenders.
For the Pipers, success may depend on how quickly their new structure translates into consistency on the pitch. With contrasting styles and strong defensive foundations on both sides, clashes involving these two teams promise to be among the most tactically intriguing fixtures of the HIL 2026 season.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
