As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) gears up for the 2025–26 season, last year’s finalists defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers and runners-up Hyderabad Toofans enter the new campaign with renewed ambition and carefully assembled squads.
With a blend of international pedigree, domestic experience and emerging talent, both teams are positioning themselves to hit the ground running as the league resumes in early January. Shrachi Bengal Tigers begin the season with the confidence of champions and the stability of continuity. Much of the core that powered them to the title last season has been retained, ensuring familiarity in structure and style.
Jugraj Singh, the hat-trick hero of last season’s final and the league’s top scorer, has been appointed captain, a move that rewards both performance and leadership. German head coach Valentin Altenburg continues at the helm, offering tactical consistency and a clear playing identity.
The Tigers open their campaign on January 4 against JSW Soorma Hockey Club in Chennai. At the back, New Zealand goalkeeper James Carr will once again serve as the first line of defence, bringing calm and experience to crucial moments. Vivek Lakra provides depth and reliability in the goalkeeping unit, ensuring competition and cover across a demanding season.
Defensively, the Tigers possess a formidable mix of steel and experience. Belgian stalwart Gauthier Boccard, a two-time Olympic medallist, will anchor the backline alongside Jugraj Singh, who combines defensive responsibility with attacking threat. The supporting cast of Enrique Gonzalez De Castejon, Tommy Willems and Parmod adds flexibility, allowing the team to adapt to different opposition styles while maintaining defensive solidity.
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In midfield, the German duo of Tom Grambusch and Christopher Rühr provide class, composure and control. Their ability to dictate tempo and transition smoothly between defence and attack will be central to the Tigers’ approach. They are complemented by a diverse group that includes Sean Findlay, Jaskaran Singh, Affan Yousuf, Pradhan Poovanna Chandura, Atul Deep and Pardeep Singh Sandhu, offering both energy and tactical options in the middle of the park.
Up front, Shrachi Bengal Tigers remain well stocked. Last season’s Player of the Tournament, Sukhjeet Singh, will lead the attack, supported by Ajinkya Jadhav, Gursewak Singh and Abhishek. One of the most intriguing additions is 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha, the youngest player in the tournament’s history. His inclusion highlights the Tigers’ willingness to invest in youth while maintaining a strong competitive edge.
Hyderabad Toofans, meanwhile, return with unfinished business after falling just short in last season’s final. Under new head coach Pasha Gademan, the Toofans are aiming to take the final step and convert consistency into silverware. Their season begins a day earlier, on January 3, against Tamil Nadu Dragons in Chennai.
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The Toofans’ goalkeeping department stands out for its youth and promise. Germany’s Jean Paul Danneberg provides international experience, while Bikramjit Singh, last season’s Goalkeeper of the Tournament, adds proven domestic quality. Together, they form a strong foundation for a team built on structured defence and quick transitions.
At the heart of the defence is Belgium’s Arthur De Sloover, an Olympic gold medallist known for his composure and reading of the game. He is supported by Amandeep Lakra and Devindar Sunil Walmiki, along with emerging talents such as Sundram Singh Rajawat and Mukul Sharma. This blend of experience and youth gives the Toofans depth and adaptability across a long season.
The midfield is where Hyderabad Toofans showcase their balance most clearly. Nilakanta Sharma brings invaluable experience, while Olympic bronze medallist Zachary Wallace adds intensity and tactical awareness. Alongside them, Nic Woods and Michel Struthoff contribute international know-how, with Rajinder Singh, Sumit and Rahim Aakib Sayyed offering energy and versatility.
In attack, the Toofans boast proven match-winners. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jacob Anderson and New Zealand forward Tim Brand provide firepower and experience at the highest level. Shilanand Lakra adds dynamism, while Arshdeep Singh, the Upcoming Player of the Tournament last season, continues to grow in stature after scoring four goals at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025.
As the new season approaches, both finalists from last year appear well prepared for another deep run. Shrachi Bengal Tigers will aim to defend their crown through continuity and cohesion, while Hyderabad Toofans seek to build on last season’s lessons and go one step further. With quality squads and clear intent on both sides, the early stages of the Hero HIL promise high-intensity battles and compelling narratives.
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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.
