Rajinder Singh assumes Manpreet’s midfield role during Asian Champions Trophy
Rajinder Singh, 24, has stepped into Manpreet Singh’s midfield responsibilities for India during the league phase of the Asian Champions Trophy, a development reported on 2026-11-04. His performances for India have been noted for energy, versatility and defensive cover.
Sardar Singh is presented in the squad’s recent narrative as the benchmark for a modern midfield prototype, while Manpreet Singh is described as the connecting link and Hardik Singh as the heir to Sardar’s No. 8 jersey. Rajinder, from the same village as Sardar in Sirsa, made his international breakthrough at the Asia Cup in Rajgir last year, which was his first international tournament and displayed maturity beyond his years.
India coach Craig Fulton described Rajinder as a 'bundle of energy', and the coach has praised the youngster’s readiness to contribute at both ends of the pitch. When India required a replacement for the injured Manpreet during the Asian Champions Trophy, they turned to Rajinder, assigning him the responsibilities that have typically been associated with the former captain.
During the tournament’s league phase Rajinder was often observed mirroring aspects of Manpreet’s game; the article notes the former skipper once described himself as a potato in terms of versatility. Fulton previously deployed Manpreet in multiple roles — as a defender at times and as an attacking midfielder on others — but on this occasion those conducting responsibilities were given to Rajinder.
Defensively, Rajinder has shown an ability to drop deep to provide cover and to act with intensity on penalty corner defence, operating as a first rusher; the piece cites his work against Malaysia and Korea where he helped cut down angles and limit the threat from opposition corners. He has also demonstrated quick transitions from defence to attack, carrying the ball forward and linking with India’s forwards when possession is regained.
In the final third Rajinder has made intelligent runs without taking away space from attackers, though the article points to chances against Malaysia that were not converted due to poor final touch or hesitation. Fulton said: "He's just really focusing on winning more ball in the press. That's where he can make a big improvement, and he's doing a really good job. But also connecting up front and getting outcomes in the D. He can score more goals and provide more assists." Rajinder added: "I will go back and look at what I could have done better in situations. So that if I get another chance in the upcoming matches, I can definitely score. I really like scoring goals and providing assists."
Rajinder credits direct learning from Manpreet during training for much of his confidence and recalls earlier coaching from Sardar in Sirsa during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said: "Manpreet bhai is a living legend. He is India's most-capped player. So, I don't know whether I can match him or not, but I try to learn from him in every game and every training session. I ask him about many things and how I can improve my game further. Those things are helping me a lot day by day. So, I think I will continue doing that and try to perform as well as I can for the team." He also said: "I started playing after watching Sardar Singh because he used to come to our village, especially for practice sessions. During the COVID period, when I was free, he used to come and conduct sessions. That time period was very good for me, and I learnt a lot of things from him." On his own style he said: "As far as style is concerned, I think becoming like them is quite difficult. I can only try to do whatever I do with perfection. I try to follow everything, right down to the last detail, whether it is our game strategy or whatever plan we have. I try to play according to that," said Rajinder.
India are described as approaching a significant transition ahead of the 2028 Olympics, with several established players likely to make way for a new generation, and the article states that Rajinder appears to be one of the new faces ready to embrace that challenge. The piece cautions he still has a long way to go before being compared with Sardar or Manpreet but says the early signs are encouraging for his potential role in India’s midfield.
