Harmanpreet Singh to Lead Indian Men’s Hockey Team for Australia Tour; Young Defender Poovanna CB Included

Hockey India on Monday announced a 24-member men’s hockey squad for the upcoming four-match tour of Australia, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Perth. The team will be led by seasoned drag-flicker and defender Harmanpreet Singh, with a focus on gaining vital international exposure ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

The squad includes a blend of experience and youth, with the notable inclusion of young defender Poovanna CB, who is set to make his mark on the international stage. The tour is being seen as a crucial preparatory assignment before the Asia Cup, which kicks off on August 29 in Rajgir, India, and serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

The tour will offer India a valuable opportunity to test team combinations, assess player form, and sharpen strategies against a top-tier side like Australia.

Speaking on the squad selection, Hockey India officials emphasized the importance of giving younger players exposure to high-pressure environments while retaining a core group of experienced campaigners.

The team will depart for Perth next week and play four high-intensity matches, expected to offer both tactical insights and competitive match practice ahead of a crucial few months for Indian hockey.