The 5 most expensive players U-21 in the Hockey India League auction

Several Indian U-21 hockey team players found themselves in huge demand for the 2015 HILThe 2016 edition of the Hockey India League will see an increasing number of emerging youngsters rub shoulders with some of the prominent and skillful hockey players from various countries across the world. In the auction which happened last month, promising U-21 players such as Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey and Armaan Qureshi were lapped up for huge amounts by eager franchise members.At a time when the current Indian hockey team is looking to infuse young blood in a bid to strengthen the bench, this development could bring a smile to the face of Roelant Oltmans who is in charge of the national team.The Indian juniors are in impressive form at the moment with steady performances over the last few years. They are the defending champions of Sultan of Johor Cup and some of these players could even be play significant roles for the senior team in the FIH World League finals and 2016 Rio Olympics.

#6 Honourable Mentions

Armaan Qureshi surprisingly went for only $4500

While quite a few youngsters made signifcant financial gains from the auction, there were also several junior hockey stars who could not replicate the performance of their compatriots. Harjeet Singh, the Indian U-21 captain was picked up by Delhi Waveriders for 6000$.

Suraj Karkera, the 20-year old goal-keeper from Mumbai made his way into the Uttar Pradesh Wizards for 5500$. Armaan Qureshi, the 20 year-old halfback from Madhya Pradesh was snapped up by Punjab Warriors for 4500$. He is already knocking at the doors of the senior team.

#5 Simranjeet Singh

Simranjeet Singh’s goal-scoring ability will come in handy for Ranchi Rays

Ranchi Rays who is co-owned by the Indian cricket team skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, obtained the services of Simranjeet Singh for $8000. At such a meagre amount, he is a huge bargain for the defending champions.

The 18-year old Punjabi midfielder will bolster an already strong Ranchi squad which includes the likes of Manpreet Singh, Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton. Daniel Beale who won the 2014 Commonwealth gold with Australia could form a strong partnership with Simranjeet.

#4 Santa Singh

Dabang Mumbai will rue missing out the services of Santa Singh who was picked by Delhi

The Haryana midfielder is already renowned in the domestic hockey circles as an attacking player whose passes inevitably find the forwards. He was picked up Delhi Waveriders for 21,000$.

The 19-year old Santa Singh will ensure that he picks the brains of Indian internationals such as Mandeep Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh. Also assisting him in his pursuit of success would be the presence of Steven Edwards who is a regular part of the New Zealand hockey team.

#3 Parvinder Singh

Playing alongside Simon Child will be a cherished experience for Parvinder Singh

The Punjab-born forward was picked by Delhi Waveriders for 29,000$. He will feature in a star-studded Delhi squad comprising of the likes of Rupinder Pal Singh, Tristan White and Mandeep Singh.

However, the 20-year old striker would relish the opportunity to make inroads into the opposition half in sync with the versatile Simon Child who is regarded as one of the finest goal-scorers in modern day hockey.

#2 Dipsan Tirkey

Dipsan Tirkey (right) will look to impress everyone with his sturdy resistance

Dipsan Tirkey who recently turned 17 is a valuable addition to the Kalinga Lancers. The Odisha defender shares his surname with former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey who was among the best pressure-players in his time.

Tirkey who went for 31,000 $,will gain crucial experience by interacting with international defenders such as Gurjinder Singh, Matthew Dawson and Matthew Willis.

#1 Harmanpreet Singh

Harmanpreet Singh (Centre) will partner the experienced Jeremy Hayward in the Mumbai defence

Hockey India introduced a surprising alteration to the rules for the 2016 edition of the HIL by allowing field goals to be counted as 2 when compared to those scored from penalty corners and strokes. This has sky-rocketed the demand for attacking strikers and tactful defenders who thrive in pressure situations. In that regard, Harmanpreet Singh stunned the onlookers by fetching 51,000$ in the auction.

The 19-year old defender from Punjab was retained by Dabang Mumbai for an astounding amount. A vital cog in the Indian junior team, Harmanpreet is amongst the most talented youngsters plying their trade in the country.