Hockey India today announced the much-awaited 18-member national Hockey Squad for the FIH Men's Series Finals commencing in Bhubaneswar on the 6th of next month. It will be led by Manpreet Singh. Birendra Lakra has been named Manpreet's deputy. Seasoned striker Ramandeep Singh has been recalled to the squad after a gap of 9 months as he was out of action due to a knee injury. Others to return to the team are Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas and Sumit. Experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and Krishan B Pathak will defend the post for the team. 

The squad also comprises defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Surender Kumar and Gurinder Singh,mid-fielders Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma and forwards Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Gursahibjit Singh and Simranjit Singh. India have been grouped in Pool A along with Russia, Poland and Uzbekistan while Japan, Mexico, USA and South Africa are grouped in Pool B.  

India will begin their campaign on the opening day against Russia and will be aiming to finish at the top in order to make it for the Olympic qualifying event, which will be held later this year.