The HIL 2026 mini-auction, held on 24 September 2025 in New Delhi, marked a major milestone for Indian hockey — with teams splashing cash to build dynamic, balanced squads combining seasoned internationals, promising juniors and specialist players. Hockey India+2Hockey India League+2
With a men’s salary cap set at ₹4 crore per franchise, and each squad allowed up to 7 overseas players plus stipulated junior Indian players, the stakes were high — and the bidding fierce. Hockey India+1
🏟️ Auction Highlights: Who Went Where and For How Much
Some of the standout signings and auction outcomes included: Hockey India League+1
- Liam Henderson — purchased by Vedanta Kalinga Lancers for ₹ 42 lakh, emerged as the most expensive buy in the men’s auction. Hockey India League+1
- Sander de Wijn — the Dutch defender, snapped up by Tamil Nadu Dragons for ₹ 36 lakh. Hockey India League+1
- Thies Prinz — acquired by the temporary franchise HIL Governing Council (managing former UP Rudras) also for ₹ 36 lakh. Hockey India League+1
- Indian junior talents made their mark too — Vivek Lakra (goalkeeper) fetched ₹ 23 lakh for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, while youngsters like Adrohit Ekka, Ajeet Yadav, and even a 14-year-old forward Ketan Kushwaha found spots in squads. Hockey India League+1
The mix of big overseas signings and promising Indian youngsters suggests that teams are aiming for a perfect blend of experience, skill, and future potential. The Times of India+1
🔍 What Makes HIL 2026 Auction Special
- Diverse pool of players: From veterans and international stars to teenagers and domestic juniors — the auction brought together a broad spectrum of talent.
- Strategic squad building: Franchises clearly tried to balance their rosters — combining drag-flickers, defenders, midfielders, forwards, and goalkeepers, both domestic and foreign — ensuring depth and versatility. Hockey India League+1
- Opportunity for young Indian players: The selection of several juniors demonstrates HIL’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent; auctions are no longer just about big names and overseas stars.
📸 Why These Photos Work
- The photos show the energy and drama of the auction — players awaiting bids, teams strategizing, and the excitement as bids are placed.
- Visuals of diverse players — internationals and juniors — reflect the inclusive, global-meets-local flavour of HIL 2026.
- They help readers feel the scale and significance of the event — crucial to build anticipation ahead of the season.
✅ What Fans Should Watch Out For
- Which teams manage to translate their aggressive auction buys into real on-field success.
- Which young Indian players emerge as breakout stars in 2026 season — could be future national team stars.
- How overseas stars perform in Indian conditions and adapt to a team combination with Indian juniors and seniors.
If you like — I can also provide a Hindi / Hinglish version of this post (great for local readers), or prepare a short social-media teaser (for Instagram/Facebook) based on the same.
