As the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 season approaches, the Ranchi Royals and Tamil Nadu Dragons are gearing up with distinct strategies. The Royals focus on speed, versatility, and attacking transitions, while the Dragons prioritize a strong defensive setup with top-notch goalkeeping and reliable penalty-corner options.
The Ranchi Royals, the newest franchise in the league, have crafted a squad under the leadership of Manpreet Singh, the second Indian player to achieve 400 international caps. Head Coach Harendra Singh has strategically paired Manpreet with Belgium’s Tom Boon, creating a formidable midfield duo that can dictate match tempo.
Defensively, the Royals have bolstered their lineup with additions like Belgian defender Maxime Van Oots and Australia’s Tim Howard, alongside Indian defender Nilam Sanjeep Xess. In the attacking front, the team will look to Mandeep Singh’s scoring prowess and the dynamic abilities of young forward Araijeet Singh Hundal. The Ranchi Royals kick off their campaign on January 4 against Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in Chennai.
The Tamil Nadu Dragons, aiming to build on their 2025 semifinal finish, are focusing on circle defense and set-piece efficiency. Led by Amit Rohidas, a stalwart in world hockey defense, the Dragons boast a formidable goalkeeping unit with players like Ireland’s David Harte and Prince Deep Singh. In the offensive lineup, Australia’s Blake Govers stands out for his penalty-corner expertise, supported by Mohammed Raheel Mouseen and Germany’s Paul Kaufmann for structure and discipline. The Dragons will start their season on January 3 against Hyderabad Toofans, seeking to leverage home advantage.
