Despite a stellar showing in the Hockey India League (HIL), veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh faces an uncertain future with the national team, sparking debate within hockey circles. The 33-year-old, with 411 international caps, is on the cusp of surpassing Dilip Tirkey's record of 412 to become India's most-capped hockey player. However, there are indications he may not be selected for the upcoming Pro League matches in Rourkela, casting a shadow over what should be a celebratory moment.
Manpreet himself has hinted at a premature end to his career, expressing his fondness for Ranchi, where he began his HIL journey. His performance for the Ranchi Royals in the HIL playoffs has impressed India head coach Craig Fulton. Fulton acknowledged Manpreet's high level of play, noting he hadn't seen him move like this in a long time and highlighting his strong performances since the Paris Olympics. Despite the praise, concerns linger about whether Manpreet will be given the opportunity to break the record.
The situation has ignited a tug-of-war between the coaching staff and selectors, with some suggesting Manpreet's "head is literally on the chopping block". A key question is whether Manpreet is fit enough for the 2026 World Cup and the Asian Games, the latter being crucial for 2028 LA Olympics qualification. Some fear his career may be cut short to preserve Tirkey's record, while others emphasize the need to transition to younger players.
Critics argue that sidelining Manpreet would be a mistake, emphasizing his fitness, versatility, and composure in crucial moments. They see him as irreplaceable, with no current player able to replicate his unique role as a link between defense and attack. While Hardik Singh is more attack-oriented and Vivek Sagar Prasad has struggled with consistency, Manpreet provides a balance that is hard to find. Despite other options like Rajinder Singh and Vishnu Kant Singh, they lack Manpreet's vast experience.
The Hockey India League, after a hiatus, is aiming to strengthen Indian hockey by providing opportunities for both young and experienced players. The recent final saw Vedanta Kalinga Lancers defeat Manpreet's Ranchi Royals 3-2. While individual accolades were given out, including Tom Boon of Ranchi Royals winning the Top Scorer award, Manpreet's future remains a major talking point.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and Hockey India. While the desire to modernize the team is understandable, prematurely ending Manpreet's career could deprive the team of a valuable asset. The upcoming Pro League matches will be a key indicator of Manpreet's fate, and whether he will be allowed to continue his illustrious career and potentially break the all-time appearance record.
