Manpreet Singh wasn't rested, he was dropped due to disciplinary issue: Report

Hockey India (HI) has announced a 33-member core probable squad for the FIH Men’s Pro League, confirming that former India captain Manpreet Singh will not be part of the team. The announcement also revealed that Dilpreet Singh and Krishan Pathak have been left out.

The decision to drop these players has sparked widespread discussion. Manpreet, who is just one match short of HI president Dilip Tirkey’s record of 412 international appearances, has been the subject of speculation that his omission was designed to prevent him from breaking the record.

Disciplinary issue on South Africa Tour reason behind the exclusions?

However, a report suggests that all three players were dropped for disciplinary reasons. According to The Tribune, the issue dates back to India’s tour of South Africa in December 2025, when the team played two Test matches, which the Men in Blue won by a 1-0 margin.

During the tour, Sukhjit Singh allegedly consumed cannabis-infused gummies and missed a team meeting after falling sick. It is reported that Manpreet, Dilpreet, and Pathak supplied the gummies to Sukhjit. The issue was brought to the attention of India's head coach Craig Fulton, who reportedly addressed the matter within the team but did not send any written report to Hockey India.

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As per the report, several team members including some from the coaching staff have expressed concern that the incident was underplayed. Sukhjit reportedly lost all his bearings the night before the meeting and needed attention throughout the night and the following morning. HI officials, including Tirkey and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, are reportedly aware of the situation.

Coach Fulton cites workload management as a reason

Fulton, however, stated on Thursday, January 29, that the decision to rotate the squad was to manage player workloads post the Hockey India League. All three players mentioned above were part of the HIL 2026 final, which the Kalinga Lancers won against Ranchi Royals. Dilpreet and Krishan won the title, while Manpreet finished on the losing side.

"Post the Hero Hockey India League, we felt this was the right time to rotate the squad. We’ve rested a few senior players to manage workload, while rewarding performances from players who’ve earned their opportunity. The Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart are an important part of the selection process as we move towards finalising the World Cup and Asian Games squad,” Fulton said in a statement.

India's schedule & free entry for fans

The squad will now head to Rourkela, Odisha, for a camp from February 1 to 7, ahead of the FIH Pro League matches at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium from February 10 to 15. The Indian team will then travel to Hobart, Australia, from February 21 to 25, with the European leg of the tournament scheduled for June.

Hockey India has announced free entry for fans for the FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League 2025–26 Rourkela leg.

The match schedule for the FIH Men's Pro League 2025-26 Rourkela leg includes: