The roar of hockey is rising again and at its heart are the defending champions, Shrachi Bengal Tigers. Last season, they did not just lift the trophy, they lifted spirits. Beyond winning the title, they won hearts. Now, with the Hockey India League 2025 auctions just around the corner, all eyes are once again on the team that made Bengal believe in its hockey dream.
For Bengal, this is more than just a sport. Hockey has a deep legacy here. That legacy, though dimmed with time, never truly disappeared, it simply waited for the right spark to reignite it. The rise of the Shrachi Bengal Tigers feels like that spark.
The auctions this year promise drama like never before, with a large pool of Indian as well as foreign players, men and women, throwing their hats into the ring, each one desperate to prove themselves. But while the bidding wars may dominate headlines, the Tigers have already struck a decisive note. By retaining some of India’s brightest national players, they have shown that they are not here to just defend a title but to build a dynasty.
Shrachi Bengal Tigers has retained players like Abhishek Nain, a forward whose pace and precision make him a nightmare for defenders and Jugraj Singh, the rock-solid defender who has become one of India’s most trusted names at the back. Add to that the brilliance of Affan Yousuf, a striker with flair, instinct and the ability to turn a game in seconds. The midfield has its guardians too with Jaskaran Singh and Atul Deep while Gursewak Singh and Sukhjeet Singh add the firepower up front, bringing balance to the squad.
On the women’s side, the roar is just as powerful. Vandana Katariya, the face of Indian women’s hockey and a striker who thrives in big moments, remains a symbol of belief for the Tigers. Alongside her, the composure of Sushila Chanu ensures the midfield has both steel and serenity. Rising names like Mahima Choudhary and Lalrimpui add youthful energy, showing that this team is not just about today but about tomorrow as well.
This mix of seasoned warriors and ambitious youngsters is what makes the Tigers dangerous. These are not just names on a team sheet, they are players who have worn the national jersey, carried the tricolour on their shoulders and delivered when it mattered.
So yes, the auctions will bring their fair share of surprises, twists and shocks.