New Delhi — The Hockey India League men’s mini-auction for the 2026 season concluded with intense bidding wars and surprising breakthroughs, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
Australian striker Liam Henderson became the most expensive buy, joining Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for ₹42 lakh. Meanwhile, Indian junior custodian Vivek Lakra, listed at just ₹2 lakh, witnessed an extraordinary bidding spree before being signed by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for ₹23 lakh — one of the auction’s most remarkable outcomes.
Franchises such as Hyderabad Toofans, Ranchi Royals, Tamil Nadu Dragons, SG Pipers, Bengal Tigers, JSW Soorma, and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers all worked within the ₹4 crore cap to strike a mix of power, youth, and technical expertise.
Other highlights included: Dutch defender Sander de Wijn joining Tamil Nadu Dragons for ₹36 lakh, junior midfielder Adrohit Ekka also going to Tamil Nadu for ₹11 lakh, while Ajeet Yadav was picked by HIL Governing Council for ₹11.5 lakh. Veteran Rupinder Pal Singh fetched ₹12 lakh and will now represent SG Pipers.
The youngest headline of the day came from 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha, snapped up by Bengal Tigers for ₹2.5 lakh, marking a milestone in HIL’s commitment to grassroots talent.
As the auctions closed, the balance between marquee internationals and Indian juniors became evident. Teams now look forward to translating their auction-day strategies into victories when HIL 2026 begins.
With inputs from IANS