UP Rudras Squad, Hockey India League 2024-25: Complete List of Players, Top Five Expensive Buys

The long-awaited comeback of the Hockey India League has arrived after a seven-year break. The auction for the 2024-25 season was held in Delhi on October 13 & 14, and a total of 168 players were successfully sold during the two-day event.

The eight teams have now locked in their rosters for the upcoming season, marking a powerful resurgence of the league. Let's take a look at all the UP Rudras buys at the auction.

UP Rudras: Top Acquisitions

The Indian midfielder Hardik Singh commands a hefty price tag of 70 lakhs, making him the most expensive player for the UP-based team. Alongside him, Akashdeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Floritz Wortelboer, and Seve Van Ass form a formidable midfield. The Rudras' attacking prowess hinges on Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Alvaro Iglesias, while their defence is bolstered by overseas talents Lars Balk, Kane Russell, and Marc Recasens.

UP Rudras Hockey India League 2024-25: Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Prashant Kumar Chauhan, James Mazarelo
Defenders: Lars Balk (NED), Kane Russell (NZL), Surender Kumar, Marc Recasens (ESP), Priyobarta Talem, Sunil Jojo
Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Floritz Wortelboer (NED), Seve Van Ass (NED), Manmeet Singh
Forwards: Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Alvaro Iglesias (ESP), Tanguy Cosyns (BEL), Gurjot Singh, Mohd. Zaid Khan, Sudeep Chirmako

Purse remaining: 10.6 Lakhs

Hockey India League 2024-25 UP Rudras: Five Most Expensive Buys

Hardik Singh (70 Lakhs)
Lars Balk (40 Lakhs)
Kane Russel (30 Lakhs)
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (28 Lakhs)

Floritz Wortelboer (27 Lakhs)The revival of the Hockey India League is set to make a significant impact on the Indian hockey landscape. The upcoming tournament, scheduled to take place from December 28 to February 1, will feature women's matches alongside men's matches for the first time, marking a historic milestone in the league's history.

With eight men’s teams and six women’s teams participating, the competition is poised to usher in a new era of thrilling and inclusive hockey action. Matches will be hosted at two locations, the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.