New Delhi — Australia’s striker Liam Henderson emerged as the most expensive player in the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 Men’s Mini Auction, going for ₹42 lakh to Vedanta Kalinga Lancers.
Germany’s Thijs Prinz and Netherlands’ Sander de Wijn were purchased for ₹36 lakh each by UP Rudras (Hockey India) and Tamil Nadu Draggons respectively. Australian forward Cooper Burns was acquired by Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for ₹34.5 lakh, outbidding SG Pipers.
The mini auction, held on Wednesday for various HIL men’s franchise teams, featured over 100 players. Franchises were allowed a maximum spend of ₹4 crore to strengthen their squads, with a focus on emerging Indian junior players, strikers, goalkeepers, and drag-flickers.
Young Indian Talent Shines
Among Indian players, 18-year-old goalkeeper Vivek Lakra became the most expensive junior player, sold to Bengal Tigers for ₹23 lakh against a base price of ₹2 lakh. Midfielder Adrohit Ekka was acquired by Tamil Nadu Draggons for ₹11 lakh, while 14-year-old Ketan Kushwaha went to Bengal Tigers for ₹2.5 lakh. Junior forward Ajit Yadav was bought by UP Rudras for ₹11.5 lakh, and junior midfielder Sushil Dhanwada joined Tamil Nadu Draggons for ₹2 lakh.
Notable International Buys
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Liam Henderson – Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, ₹42 lakh
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Thijs Prinz – UP Rudras, ₹36 lakh
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Sander de Wijn – Tamil Nadu Draggons, ₹36 lakh
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Cooper Burns – Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, ₹34.5 lakh
Veteran and Drag-Flicker Picks
Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist and Bengal Tigers’ drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh was picked by SG Pipers for ₹12 lakh. Ranchi Royals acquired Sam Lane for ₹10 lakh.
Franchise Participation
The men’s mini auction included Hyderabad Tufoons, JSW Surma Hockey Club, Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, Shrachi Rar Bengal Tigers, Tamil Nadu Draggons, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, and the newly managed UP Rudras under the Hockey India Governing Council.
UP Rudras Under Hockey India Management
Hockey India’s Governing Council announced that it will manage UP Rudras operations for the upcoming season until a new franchise owner is confirmed, ensuring squad management and purchases continue smoothly.
Franchise-wise Key Purchases
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UP Rudras: Ajit Yadav (₹11.5 lakh), Thijs Prinz (₹36 lakh), Rahul Yadav (₹2 lakh), Mohammad Harris (₹2 lakh)
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Tamil Nadu Draggons: Adrohit Ekka (₹11 lakh), Sushil Dhanwada (₹2 lakh), K Selvaraj (₹2 lakh), Sander de Wijn (₹36 lakh)
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Vedanta Kalinga Lancers: Liam Henderson (₹42 lakh), Amit Topo (₹2 lakh), Bobby Singh Dhami (₹10 lakh), J. Snoden (₹10 lakh), Cooper Burns (₹34.5 lakh), Craig Mariaz (₹10 lakh)
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JSW Surma: Jeet Pal (₹3.2 lakh)
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Ranchi Royals: Manmeet Singh Rai (₹2 lakh), Ashish Purti (₹2 lakh), Loic Lupert (₹10 lakh), Sam Lane (₹10 lakh), Jack Waller (₹10 lakh), Ravneet Singh (₹5 lakh)
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SG Pipers: Rompan Duvkot (₹10 lakh), Rupinder Pal Singh (₹12 lakh), Bram Van Butum (₹11 lakh)
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Bengal Tigers: Pramod (₹5 lakh), Vivek Lakra (₹23 lakh), Ketan Kushwaha (₹2.5 lakh), Ajinks Jadhav (₹2 lakh), Tom Grambush (₹10 lakh)
The HIL 2026 Men’s Mini Auction showcased a strong mix of international stars and emerging Indian talent, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.
