Krishan Bahadur Pathak recalled to India squad for Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab
On October 13, 2026 India recalled goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak to its squad for the Asian Champions Trophy, which will be staged in Jalandhar and Mohali in Punjab. Pathak replaces Mohith KS as selectors have retained the core of the Asian Games gold-medal-winning side.
Pathak returns to the national setup for the first time since December 2025 after being dropped earlier in 2026; he had been India's main goalkeeper since PR Sreejesh retired. The 29-year-old was removed from the side following a reported episode of indiscipline during the South Africa tour and was subsequently left out of the FIH Pro League squad for February. Since then Pathak missed the Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.
Harmanpreet Singh will captain the team once again, with the main squad comprising 18 players and midfielder Vishnu Kant Singh and forward Angad Bir Singh named as the two standbys. The selection keeps the backbone of the Asian Games-winning group while offering opportunities to younger players.
Selectors have included young defender Amandeep Lakra and Aditya Arjun Lalage to give them a chance to strengthen their chances of sealing a regular spot in the senior side. Those inclusions are intended to provide exposure to the pair within the senior group ahead of the tournament.
The full squad named reads: Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak; Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra; Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh; Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh. Reserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh.
Chief Coach Craig Fulton reacted positively to the selection and to hosting the event in Punjab, saying: "Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special," said Chief Coach Craig Fulton. "This squad blends youth with experience, and we can't wait to feed off the home crowd. There's nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we've missed it."
The Asian Champions Trophy will begin with an opening ceremony and league-stage matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, before the competition moves to Mohali for the knockout rounds; the semi-finals are scheduled for November 4 and the medal matches for November 5 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.