NEW DELHI: As the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) season draws closer, the Ranchi Royals and Tamil Nadu Dragons are taking shape with clear tactical identities. While the Royals are built around speed, versatility and attacking transitions, the Dragons have focused on building a solid defensive unit backed by top-class goalkeeping and reliable penalty-corner options.
Ranchi Royals enter the league as the newest franchise, replacing the former Team Gonasika, and have put together a squad that emphasises flexibility in midfield and quick movement across the field. The team is led by Manpreet Singh, who recently became only the second Indian player to cross 400 international caps. Under Head Coach Harendra Singh, the Royals have paired Manpreet with Belgium’s Tom Boon, the 2025 FIH Player of the Year, creating a midfield partnership capable of controlling the tempo of matches.
Defensively, the Royals have strengthened their backline with the additions of Belgian defender Maxime Van Oots and Australia’s Tim Howard, alongside experienced Indian defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess. In attack, the Royals will rely on the finishing ability of Mandeep Singh and the pace and power of young forward Araijeet Singh Hundal. Ranchi Royals will begin their campaign on 4 January against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, are building on their semi-final finish in 2025 by placing strong emphasis on circle defence and set-piece efficiency. Led by captain Amit Rohidas, one of the most dependable defenders in world hockey, the team boast one of the strongest goalkeeping groups in the league. Ireland’s David Harte, a two-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, is joined by Prince Deep Singh, who impressed in shootouts at the 2025 Junior World Cup.
In attack, the Dragons continue to rely on Australia’s Blake Govers, whose penalty-corner conversion makes him a constant threat. He is supported by Mohammed Raheel Mouseen in midfield and Germany’s Paul Kaufmann, who adds structure and discipline. Tamil Nadu will open the season at home on 3 January against Hyderabad Toofans, aiming to make the most of home support.
Ranchi Royals Squad: Suraj Karkera, Pankaj Kumar Rajak, Amir Ali, Joshua Beltz (Australia), Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Anmol Ekka, Manpreet Singh, Tom Boon (Belgium), Vishnukant Singh, Yashdeep Siwach, Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa), Araijeet Singh Hundal, Mandeep Singh, Tim Howard (Australia), Maxime Van Oots (Belgium), Ravneet Singh, Manmeet Singh Rai, Jack Waller (England), Sam Lane (New Zealand), Ashish Purti
Tamil Nadu Dragons Squad: David Harte (Ireland), Princedeep Singh, Amit Rohidas, Paul Kaufmann (Germany), Sander de Wijn (Netherlands), Anand Lakra, Pruthvi GM, Tom Sorsby (Great Britain), Tom Craig (Australia), Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Sheshe Gowda, Chandan Yadav, Arun J, Adrohit Ekka, Sushil Dhanwar, Blake Govers (Australia), Selvam Karthi, Nathan Ephraums (Australia), Uttam Singh, K Selvaraj