The Hero HIL 2026 Hockey India League Men’s Auction delivered all the drama, strategy, and spectacle fans have come to expect.
Held behind closed doors in the capital, the high-energy session saw over 100 players go under the hammer as eight franchises finalized their squads for the new season. With a salary cap of ₹4 crore, teams were forced to think carefully, balancing big-ticket overseas stars with exciting Indian juniors, goalkeepers, and drag-flick specialists. The headline story of the day was Liam Henderson, the Australian midfielder who emerged as the most expensive buy. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured him for a whopping ₹42 lakh, signalling their intent to dominate midfield battles this season.
Among the juniors, Vivek Lakra, a teenage Indian goalkeeper, became the surprise package, snapped up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹23 lakh, more than 10 times his base price.
Adding to the intrigue, the Hero HIL Governing Council confirmed it will operate the UP Rudras franchise this season under the name HIL Governing Council, until a new owner is found. This ensured the league maintained its eight-team format.
Overseas Stars Command Top Dollar
As expected, proven internationals were among the hottest properties. Dutch defender Sander de Wijn sparked one of the fiercest bidding wars of the day. Tamil Nadu Dragons eventually won the contest, securing his services for ₹36 lakh. The Dragons’ move underlined their defensive ambitions, pairing youth with one of Europe’s most respected defenders. The Lancers, who emerged as one of the busiest franchises, added firepower up front with Cooper Burns (Australia, forward) for ₹34.5 lakh. Along with Henderson, their haul also included Craig Marais and Jed Snowden, ensuring a deep and versatile roster.
The HIL Governing Council also spent big, acquiring Germany’s Thies Prinz for ₹36 lakh, providing a strong overseas presence alongside stalwarts such as Sebastian Dockier and Kane Russell.
While overseas names drew headlines, it was the Indian juniors who truly stole the show.
- Vivek Lakra (goalkeeper): Entering at a base price of just ₹2 lakh, Lakra stunned the auction room. After fierce interest, the Bengal Tigers clinched him for ₹23 lakh, reflecting the growing demand for homegrown custodians.
- Adrohit Ekka (midfielder): Another hot prospect, Ekka’s talent drove Tamil Nadu Dragons and JSW Soorma Hockey Club into a tug-of-war. Dragons prevailed with a ₹11 lakh bid.
- Ajeet Yadav (forward): Picked by the HIL Governing Council for ₹11.5 lakh, Yadav’s signing highlighted the team’s focus on nurturing fresh attacking options.
- Sushil Dhanwar (midfielder): Snapped up by Tamil Nadu Dragons for his base price of ₹2 lakh, a low-cost but potentially high-impact acquisition.
But perhaps the most emotional moment came when 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha entered the league’s history books. The teenager, one of the youngest-ever to feature in HIL, was bought by the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹2.5 lakh, a signing that resonated far beyond the auction room. Despite the influx of juniors, experience still carried weight. Veteran drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, who captained Bengal Tigers to last season’s title, found a new home with SG Pipers for ₹12 lakh. His leadership and penalty corner expertise will add depth to a youthful squad.
Strategic Themes Emerge
The 2026 auction reinforced several evolving trends in HIL:
Youth Investment: Teams are clearly prioritising long-term growth by backing Indian juniors. With Lakra, Ekka, and Kushwaha commanding attention, franchises are betting on fresh faces to become household names.
Balance with Overseas Pedigree: While juniors grabbed headlines, marquee foreign players still drove the highest bids, showing that franchises are keen to blend youth with proven international quality.
Specialist Roles: Goalkeepers and drag-flickers were again in high demand, a reflection of modern hockey’s tactical needs.
How Teams look after the auction
•Vedanta Kalinga Lancers: Arguably the biggest winners, landing Henderson, Burns, and a strong supporting cast. They look primed for a title push.
•Tamil Nadu Dragons: Aggressive in bidding, they strengthened both defence (de Wijn) and midfield (Ekka, Dhanwar), making them a well-rounded squad.
•Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers: Mixed bold youth picks (Lakra, Kushwaha) with experienced internationals like Tom Grambusch, showing ambition to defend their crown.
•HIL Governing Council: Despite administrative uncertainty, they built a balanced squad with Prinz and promising juniors.
•SG Pipers: Smart buyers, adding Rupinder Pal Singh and Roman Duvekot, while banking on their retained youth core.
As the auctioneer’s gavel fell for the final time, the blueprint of Hero HIL 2026 became clear. The league is embracing a new chapter one where 14-year-old prodigies share the field with seasoned Olympians, and franchises balance immediate impact with future potential. With squads now locked, attention turns to the turf, where strategies, gambles, and investments will be tested under the lights. If the auctions were any indication, the upcoming season promises drama, talent, and a renewed sense of excitement for fans of Indian hockey.
The Hero HIL Governing Council summed it up best: “This auction reflects the league’s vision of combining international excellence with India’s emerging pool of talent. The Hero HIL 2026 season will be one to remember.”
