Hockey: Manpreet Singh set to surpass Dilip Tirkey’s India caps record, but his national team future unclear
Midfielder Manpreet Singh is just two matches away from becoming India’s most-capped men’s hockey player, edging past Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record. Even as the milestone nears, reports say his longer-term place in the national set-up is uncertain.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
A landmark record within reach
Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh is closing in on a historic national record for international appearances. At 33, he has already amassed 411 caps, and needs only two more matches to move past former captain Dilip Tirkey’s benchmark of 412 and become the most-capped Indian men’s hockey player.
The achievement would be a significant marker of longevity and consistency in a sport where international calendars can be demanding and where competition for midfield roles remains intense. Manpreet has been a central figure for India across multiple cycles, and the record would place him at the top of an elite list of Indian hockey stalwarts.
Uncertainty over his role going forward
Even as he approaches the milestone, reports suggest Manpreet’s future with the national team is not fully settled. Selection dynamics, competition from younger players and evolving team plans can all influence how long a veteran remains in the core group, and the uncertainty adds a layer of intrigue to what would otherwise be a straightforward celebration of a record.
For fans, the situation highlights a familiar tension in high-performance sport: balancing experience and leadership with the need to refresh the squad for future tournaments. For the team management, decisions will likely hinge on fitness, form, tactical requirements and how the coaching staff envisions the midfield structure over the next phase.
What to watch next
- When and where Manpreet gets the next two appearances to break the record.
- Whether the team signals a defined role for him post-record (starter, rotation player or mentoring role).
- How India balances senior experience with emerging midfield talent.
Regardless of what comes next, crossing the caps record would underline the scale of Manpreet Singh’s contribution to Indian hockey, reflecting years of selection, performance and durability at the highest level.