Five Indian players to watch out for at Men's Hockey World Cup 2023

Manpreet Singh is the most capped active player from the squad of the hosts.

The Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and India as hosts shall look to make use of this opportunity. India finished sixth in the 2018 edition losing in the quarterfinals. Also, India has won only one title (1975) in the 14 editions held and now will eye for the second title. Recently the 18-man squad was announced and from those, we have listed the top five Indian players to watch out for at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023. 

Harmanpreet Singh

India’s penalty corner specialist will be leading the side for the first time in the Men’s Hockey World Cup. He was part of the 2018 edition where India finished in the sixth spot under the leadership of Manpreet Singh.

But this time a lot more is expected from the team. There was a special camp for drag flickers during the selection of the World Cup squad and Harmanapreet will be the lone Indian to don the specific role. He recently had a good time during the Australian test series and will look to continue to do the same going forward. He is being looked at as a long-time skipper and shall prove to be a good successor.

Akashdeep Singh

Akshdeep Singh is one of the most improved players in the attacking midfield section and recently scored a hat-trick in the Australian test series. The 28-year-old will be playing his third World Cup and with experience in his side will prove to be vital in the final third along with attacker Mandeep Singh. Overall Akashdeep has played on more than 200 occasions for the Indian team netting 85 times.

Manpreet Singh

The former captain of the Indian team will not have much pressure after having led the side in the previous World Cup and was also the captain when India won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is also one of the most capped Indian players (active) in the squad for the World Cup. His experience in the midfield position and his crisp passes to the final third will create more scoring opportunities. Youngster Vivek Sagar Prasad has just returned from injury which shall be of great help to Manpreet Singh.

PR Sreejesh

Legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as always will play a massive role in the 2023 World Cup. India in recent matches has conceded many goals which were quite evident in the Australia series. PR Sreejesh faced a few criticisms after the Men's Pro League performances but bounced back in the Australian test series. He ups his form in high-profile matches and along with Krishan Pathak will form a formidable duo. Both goalkeepers will perhaps keep for two quarters each so both have to perform well.

Mandeep Singh

Indian forward Mandeep Singh was the second-highest goal scorer for the Indian team in the 2022 season scoring 13 goals. He did not score a single goal in the five-match test series but provided a few crucial passes. Mandeep Singh has the tendency to deceive the defenders and snatch penalty corner opportunities. So the forward will look to make use of his experience and make as many penalty-scoring opportunities available which have been India’s main weapon.