Top five most expensive Indian players at Hockey India League auction

Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive player on day 1 of the hockey India league auction

There were little surprises on Day 1 as Harmanpreet Singh became the most expensive Indian player and most expensive player at the Hockey India League player auction with the ‘Sarpanch’ of Indian hockey going for close to Rs. 80 lakhs after a bidding war between all eight franchises at the table.

A total of 54 players were sold on Day 1 of the auction with Team Gonasika buying the highest number of players (10). Delhi SG Pipers and Rarh Bengal Tigers bought seven players each, while Hyderabad Toofans and Kalinga Lancers bought the least number of players (5).

While Harmanpreet emerged as the most expensive buy, three of the top five costliest buys were Indians. As many as 13 Indian players went above the Rs. 40 lakh mark, including few junior players. Take a look at the top five most expensive Indian players at the Hockey India Lague player auction.

Five most expensive Indian players after day 1 of Hockey India League Player Auction 2024

#5 Jugraj Singh – Rs 48 lakhs (Rarh Bengal Tigers)

Jugraj was the part of the India squad that won silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth games and was also with the team during the 2023 and 2024 Asian Championships Trophy wins. Apart from being a reliable defender, Jugraj can also take up drag-flicking duties for the Bengal team.

There was a bidding war between Bengal and Delhi, with Bengal winning the player’s signature for Rs 48 lakhs. The only concern with Jugraj is his inconsistency but if he remains consistent throughout the season, Jugraj can be value for money buy for Bengal Tigers.

#4 Amit Rohidas – Rs 48 lakhs (Tamil Nadu Dragons)

One of the best first-rusher in world hockey, Amit Rohidas became the joint-fourth most expensive Indian in the HIL auction. Tamil Nadu Dragons grabbed Amit with a price of Rs 48 lakhs. Amit is a key member of India’s defence and have made some brilliant saves as a first rusher (while defending Penalty Corners).

The 31-year-old has been an integral part of most of India’s recent success and his absence was felt in the semi-final defeat to Germany at Paris Olympics, where India won bronze.

#3 Hardik Singh – Rs 70 lakhs (UP Rudras)

The 26-year-old midfielder was the third most expensive player on day 1 of the auction. Hardik played a huge role in helping India win the Olympic bronze medal in both Tokyo and Paris. He was also the first player to reach the Rs 50 lakh mark and was eventually sold for Rs 70 lakhs to UP Rudras.

The Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain will also be among the first choices to captain UP Rudras team. There was a bidding war for the midfielder between Delhi, UP and Bengal with the former eventually winning the bid for a then record amount.

Also Read: Hockey India League Player Auction Highlights

#2 Abhishek Nain – Rs 72 lakhs (Rarh Bengal Tigers)

The rising star in Indian Hockey, Abhishek, grabbed a whooping bid of 72 lakhs from Rarh Bengal Tigers. Although, it was a bit surprising for him to get such a high price, he deserved that price for his consistent performances for the national team.

There was an intense bidding war between Delhi SG Pipers and Rarh Bengal Tigers and eventually it was the Kolkata-based team who made the winning bid. The 25-year-old youngster is one of the best forwards in the Indian team and has some great moves in his arsenal.

#1 Harmanpreet Singh – Rs 78 lakhs (Soorma Hockey Club)

The most expensive player of the auction was no doubt, Harmanpreet Singh. Nicknamed as the ‘Sarpanch Sahab’, Harmanpreet captained India to bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. He was sold to Punjab-based Soorma Hockey Club for a whooping Rs 78 lakhs. One of the best drag-flickers in the world, Harman scored 10 goals at the Paris Olympics and was the highest scorer in the tournament.

He has also scored most goals for India in modern day hockey. With his leadership quality, tactical skills and his drag-flicking ability, Soorma Hockey club will look to do well in the upcoming Hockey India League season.

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