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The Hockey India League 2024 (HIL) men’s player auction was a clear indicator of India’s rise in world hockey. Despite the numerous top overseas players on offer, it was the Indian players who were in prime demand. The HIL being an Indian league is a major reason behind it. However, nothing can be taken away from the growth in potential and talent of the Indian players.
The auction started with the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning Indian Hockey Team going under the hammer on Day 1. Some of the most sought-after domestic talent were up for grabs. Eight teams battled it out, and each wanted to acquire the biggest Indian stars, thus making the bidding contest a thrilling watch.
It was evident that most of teams had already chalked out their strategy as to who were the players they were targeting. As expected, players like Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh were hot properties.The bidding was intense and in the end all teams would feel content with the players they were able to snatch.
List of top 5 Indian buys at the HIL men’s player auction
#5. Jugraj Singh (Bengal Tigers- Rs 48 Lakh)
Defender Jugraj Singh was the fifth-most expensive player to be sold at the HIL men's auction. Jugraj, a part of India's silver medal-winning team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is also a decent drag flicker.
The Bengal Tigers were in a bidding war with the Delhi SG Pipers in their quest to lap up Singh. The battle did go on for a bit, with the Tigers eventually having the final say. Bengal would be pleased to have picked up a talented player in Jugraj Singh.
#4. Amit Rohidas (Tamil Nadu Dragons- Rs 48 Lakh)
Amit Rohidas is often seen as one of the most talented first-rusher in the world of hockey. At the HIL auction, he was bought by the Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 48 Lakh. Amit has been a regular in Indian team's defence and has made many special saves, especially while defending penalty corners.
The 31-year-old was also a part of the Indian team that won the bronze at the Summer Games in Paris. Rohidas is a great addition to the Dragons' team and they will be glad to have grabbed him.
#3. Hardik Singh (UP Rudras- Rs 70 Lakh)
One of India’s most talented midfielders, Hardik Singh, was in high demand at the HIL player auction. Hardik was the third-most expensive pick after being clinched by the UP Rudras for Rs 70 lakh.
The Punjab-born player had played a crucial role during India’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Hardik had made his senior team debut at the 2018 Asian Games in which India secured the gold medal.
He has since gone on to have a very successful career for the ‘men in blue’. Singh also played an instrumental part in Indian winning gold at the 2022 Asian Games.
#2. Abhishek Nain (Bengal Tigers- Rs 72 Lakh)
25-year-old Abhishek Nain shall be proud of ending the HIL men’s auction as the second-most expensive player. The talented Indian forward was bought by the Bengal Tigers for Rs 72 lakh. Nain was part of the bronze medal-winning Indian team at the Summer Games in Paris.
Abhishek was exceptional in his performance and scored a crucial goal for India in the matches against Australia and Belgium. The Sonipat-born player had made his debut in 2022 at the 2021-22 FIH Pro League.
Abhishek was also a part of the India squad that won gold at 2022 Asian Games and silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
#1. Harmanpreet Singh (Soorma Hockey Club- Rs 78 lakh)
The fact that Harmanpreet Singh ended up being the most expensive buy at the HIL auction should not come as a surprise. The captain of the Indian hockey team was acquired by the Punjab-based Soorma Hockey Club for a humongous Rs 78 lakh.
Harmanpreet is one of the most celebrated hockey players in the country. Regarded as one of the best drag flickers in the world, Singh was at his absolute best at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals to his name.
The bidding for the Indian star was as intense as it could get. However, the Soormas kept at it and were overjoyed when the hammer went down, confirming Harmanpreet’s addition to their team.
