Jugraj Singh says Harmanpreet Singh will be India's 'trump card' at Hockey World Cup

Jugraj Singh told PTI on August 11, 2026 that Harmanpreet Singh will be India’s trump card at the Hockey World Cup and compared the captain’s style to his own.

Since his debut, Harmanpreet has been described as a rock-solid defender combining passion and aggression and has risen to captain the national side. His standout skill is drag-flicking: the 30-year-old has scored 291 goals in 264 matches, according to FIH's website. He was the leading goalscorer at the Paris Olympics 2024, where India won the bronze medal.

Jugraj was one of the leading drag-flickers of his generation before a car accident ended his career in 2003, and he worked with the senior team briefly after retiring. During that period he said he watched Harmanpreet develop into one of the game’s top drag-flickers. That proximity has informed the comparisons Jugraj now makes.

"His style is exactly like mine. His playing style and aggression remind me of myself. I see my reflection in him," Jugraj said. "I even tell him, 'You are playing,' and I feel like I am on the field."

"Harmanpreet is currently one of the top three drag-flickers in the world. He has been playing brilliantly since the Tokyo Olympics. A player who consistently performs well when the team needs him is a 'trump card', and I think that player will be Harmanpreet," Jugraj told PTI in an interview. "He has also worked hard on his fitness," he added.

Jugraj highlighted Harmanpreet’s appetite for improvement: "It is also a special quality of his that he is always eager to learn and seek guidance. Even after winning two Olympic medals, including one under his captaincy, he remains grounded. He is one-in-a-generation player," he said.

Jugraj follows Harmanpreet’s progress from close quarters, regularly connecting with the India captain after major tournaments and national camps to discuss his performances and offer his perspective. India will start their World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15.