The Indian Men’s Hockey Team will look to reset its campaign when it takes the field for the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26, scheduled from February 20 to 25 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Australia.
Following a challenging set of results in the home leg in Rourkela, the team now shifts its attention to a crucial overseas assignment against Spain and hosts Australia.
The upcoming block of matches presents India with an important opportunity to reassess combinations, stabilise its defensive structure, and regain competitive rhythm ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games later this year.
India will begin their Hobart campaign against Spain on February 21 before facing Australia on February 22. The team will then meet Spain again on February 24 and conclude the leg with another encounter against Australia on February 25. With both opponents ranked among the world’s top sides, the four-match stretch is expected to test India’s tactical adaptability and squad depth.
Encounters between India and Spain in recent years have often been closely contested. Across their last ten meetings, both teams have recorded four regulation-time victories apiece, while two drawn matches were eventually decided in India’s favour via shootouts. Against Australia, however, the historical trend has tilted towards the hosts, who have won six of the last ten matches between the two sides, with India managing two wins and the remaining two ending in draws.
India will enter this leg under the leadership of midfielder Hardik Singh, who has been handed the captaincy in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh. A two-time Olympic bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, Hardik brings experience and composure to a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent.
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The touring group includes several young players who will be eager to make an impact at the senior level. Defenders Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh will look to build on their recent debuts, while forwards Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage provide additional attacking options as the team seeks greater consistency in the final third.
Speaking ahead of the Hobart leg, Hardik acknowledged both the challenge and the opportunity that lies ahead.
“It is a tremendous honour to lead the national team in a prestigious tournament like the Pro League,” he said. “While we will certainly miss Harmanpreet’s presence on the pitch, his absence provides a valuable opportunity for the rest of the group to step up and take responsibility. We have reviewed our recent matches, learned our lessons, and are entering Hobart with a positive and aggressive mindset.”
The Indian camp has used the gap between the two legs to address areas of concern that surfaced during the Rourkela fixtures, particularly in defensive organisation and finishing efficiency. The management will be keen to evaluate how the newer members integrate into the system against high-quality opposition in pressure situations.
Hardik also expressed optimism about the youthful additions to the squad and their potential influence on India’s playing style.
“Youngsters bring fresh, fearless energy to the lineup,” he said. “They have worked hard to earn their spots, and playing against teams like Australia and Spain gives them the perfect platform to express themselves. The entire group is motivated to support them, execute our plans, and play the brand of hockey India is known for.”
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The Hobart leg represents more than just a chance to earn points in the Pro League standings. For India, it serves as a vital preparatory phase in the build-up to major tournaments later this year, offering the coaching staff valuable insights into squad balance, tactical flexibility, and match temperament under international conditions.
With renewed focus and a point to prove after the home leg, the Indian team will be aiming to produce a more cohesive performance in Tasmania and re-establish momentum as the Pro League season progresses.
