Hockey India League 2024-25: TN Dragons Preview, Squad, Analysis and Fixtures

Tanuj Birua

The Tamil Nadu Dragons, the team ased in Chennai and owned by Charles Group are set to ignite the Hockey India League 2024-25 with a distinctive mix of homegrown talent and international flair.

Their auction strategy is a curious blend of local scouting and exact profile matching for talents readily available in Tamil Nadu, enhancing their approach with additional layers. How methodical has their scouting network been? In the absence of data, they’ve relied on raw scouting techniques, where the eye of the scout becomes the measure of talent.

This hands-on method has enabled them to craft a network throughout the state, uncovering players who might otherwise remain hidden. By focusing on grassroots scouting, let’s dissect each individual in this squad to understand how they’ve pieced together this intriguing team.

Goal Keepers:

David Harte has made a name for himself as a top goalkeeper in hockey, much like Batman in his field. He’s played in the best leagues in Europe, India, and Malaysia. His story seems like it’s from a comic book, where he faces powerful shots with great skill. Harte doesn’t just rely on quick reactions to stop penalty strokes; he guesses where the ball will go, placing himself perfectly to block shots that come at him like bullets from close range.

In his second stint in India, he will play a role as an educator to his compatriot. He shares his big experience with young goalkeepers. Among them are Prince Deep Singh, who has been learning from Sreejesh on the Junior team this year and now sees Harte as his guide, and S. Senthamizh Arasu, who has experience from Juniors camps before and has already proven himself by playing well against a strong Uttar Pradesh team, which featured star international players of India. Together, they will guard the fort of Dragons.

Defense

The architects of this backline have been thoughtful, carefully integrating local talent with the discipline required to maintain tight security. They’ve crafted a team of versatile players, each contributing to a unified defensive front.

They’ve mixed in young guns from Tamil Nadu, who’ve led the charge at junior levels, with old-school heroes who’ve worn India’s badge with pride, infusing the squad with experience and a touch of star shine.

At the heart of this defensive saga is Jip Janssen, an Olympic Champion. Jip’s precision in penalty corners is unmatched, hitting the right spot every time, but his skill lies in his versatility. With Kampong, he’s the linchpin of initiating build-up play, partnering with his compatriot Balk Lars to navigate through opponents. On the field, he’s a wing back who reads the game with intelligence and intercepts plays with shrewdness.

For the National Team, his role shifts to the central defensive line, where his interventions are critical; he scans for threats with the vigilance of a seasoned protector, like Spider-Man guarding New York.

Complementing Jip is Amit Rohidas, an undisputed titan in the Indian backline under coach Craig Fulton. Over the last decade, Amit has danced across various positions, but it’s as a central defender where he absolutely excels, sharing duties with Harmanpreet Singh, rotating between the right and left centre half.

His presence is like an anchor, stabilizing the defense with long, strategic passes or pinching forward to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. He’s not just a defender but a shield, offering invaluable protection, especially as the first rusher, ensuring the goalkeeper has the support needed to guard the central goalpost—a lesson learned the hard way during the Olympic semi-finals when Gonzalo Peillat exploited the absence of such protection.

When every move is a verse in the epic of the game, Amit stands as the first rusher during the penalty corner, a knight charging into the fray. But behind him, in the shadows of the defense, another figure lurks—a guardian of the deeper right, a master of angles, blocking threats with precision.

This figure, Kothajit, complements Amit’s rush, each inch he defends a line in a sonnet of protection, his presence a calming force amidst the storm of play. He’s the calmest of the wide defenders, adept at navigating with elegance; his passes not just plays but poetry—lofted, silky, aesthetic, slicing through defenses like a fine blade.

Amit and Kothajit form a dynamic duo whenever they participate together in the game. The synergy they achieved with Ranchi Rhinos was nothing short of magical. Now, with experience from numerous battles, they’ve grown. Their purpose is now great – to be mentors, nurturing the raw talents in an effort to pass on the baton to the future

To further strengthen the defense, Moritz Ludwig emerges as another key figure. As a first rusher, his interceptions within the circle are nothing short of professional, and in one-on-one scenarios, he’s a dealer of immediate counteraction. He commands the wider angles with authority, offering a comprehensive defensive package.

Anand Lakra, with a similar profile, aims to prove that he still sparks plays from defense and makes impactful tackles. His fire is still burning bright!

The spotlight also shines on Anand Y, a young prodigy keen to learn from the maestro, Jip Janssen. His tally of 8 goals in the 2023 Junior India South Zone Championship has already marked him as a name to remember.

He has proven to be an adept initiator in Tamil Nadu’s build-up play, extending his influence to critical moments where he emerges as a reliable drag flicker during crises, a skill vividly demonstrated at the Junior Nationals in 2024.

Then there’s Pruthvi GM, a Kodagu native who plays for Tamil Nadu. He’s known for his aggressive tackling and wingback play, particularly on the right, turning that flank into a fortress alongside Mareeswaran Sakthivel for Tamil Nadu. Under the guidance of seasoned veterans, Pruthvi’s career trajectory promises further chapters of development and success.

Midfield

Tamil Nadu Dragons midfield has been carefully crafted, mixing homegrown players with thoughtful additions to form a versatile lineup. This group not only holds the backline together with a dependable pivot but also injects energy into the midfield, featuring skilled ball carriers who can confuse defenses with their clever cutbacks.

Thomas Sorsby will stand out as a vital component for the Dragons. His role as a holding midfielder will involve not only orchestrating play but also collecting and distributing the ball. He will be their ice man, dealing with pressure and guarding the defense like an anchorman.He will anchor the defense to assist his fellow defenders and initiate the play forward, providing stability and allowing the team to transition smoothly from defense to attack.

Beside him, Dhilipan M will be learning from his every move, a young prodigy whose journey has been a tale of revolutions. With the mind of a tactician, Dhilipan will be a central figure for Tamil Nadu, excelling in off-the-ball movement, intelligent interceptions, and carrying the ball effortlessly from deep positions. He has proven his mettle against stronger teams like Uttar Pradesh, which boasts several Indian national players.

Chandan Yadav infuses PR Sreejesh’s junior hockey team with strength, where the focus is on rapid ball recovery and aggressive play. He’s adept at reclaiming the ball, even when not in possession, demonstrating impressive intensity. During his time under Sreejesh’s coaching in Malaysia, he’s proven his ability to circulate the ball swiftly.

Arun J is an essential player for the Tamil Nadu junior team, with his skills allowing him to stretch the play across the field, and he’s well-regarded for his shooting. He also plays a pivotal role as the first rusher during penalty corner defense, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s backline.

Mohammed Raheel Mouseen will be the heart of the team, with his story one of brilliance and promise. For Karnataka, he will be the heartbeat, orchestrating various plays, dropping deep to gather the threads of the game. His movements are unpredictable and mesmerizing like a magic trick, extending his role to making line-breaking passes and playing effectively as an inner forward.

Complementing him in the interior positions will be Tom Craig, the Australian National, bringing an even broader skill set. Known for his aggressive pressing and acceleration, he will be a nightmare in one-on-one situations, renowned for his devastating tomahawk shots, much like a superhero wielding their signature weapon.

His ability to manipulate space, lurk just outside the shooting circle, and execute power plays will add depth to the Dragons’ attack. He will also serve as a mentor to Seshe Gowda, who shares similar traits as an interior player.

Forwards:

Tamil Nadu continues to emphasize local talents across all sectors while judiciously enhancing their squad with diverse skill sets. This approach ensures they have a complete forward unit capable of poaching, executing a power game, and performing effective cutbacks.

The team has not compromised on having a powerful center forward who excels at capitalizing on half-chances, using their physicality to dominate in the circle, and possessing a multi-faceted skill set, including proficiency in penalty corners and a variety of goal-scoring techniques.

The inclusion of Uttam Singh, Nathan Ephraums, and Martin Zwicker adds a layer of unpredictability to the front-line, keeping defenders on their toes.

Martin Zwicker and Nathan Ephraums share similar roles but bring different strengths to the table. Both occupy different positions within the circle, right and left centrally respectively, allowing them to drift inwards so their roles don’t overlap.

Martin Zwicker, a seasoned professional, is celebrated for his intelligent off-the-ball movements within the circle. His knack for creating goals in the tightest of spaces makes him an invaluable asset, turning the narrowest opportunities into scoring chances. When it comes to penalty corners, Zwicker’s sharp precision, much like Hawkeye’s legendary aim, helps him direct a range of deflections, making him the playmaking genius of the team.

At just 25, Nathan Ephraums has already carved out a reputation in the Nationals as a ‘fox in the box’. His cunning eye for goal, combined with an extraordinary capacity to control even the most overhit passes, transforms potential mishaps into golden opportunities. His shots, precise and powerful, are like arrows hitting the bullseye, showcasing an archery-like accuracy.

Uttam Singh brings immense work rate to the team, excelling off the ball on the right hand side and as a deflection specialist. His performances for India’s junior team and recent appearances for the national side highlight his ability to influence games from less visible roles, making him a potent force.

To bolster the chemistry on the front-line, the Dragons brought in the Karnataka trio of Majji Ganesh, Abharan Sudev, and MD Raheel, who made Karnataka a stronger offensive force in building plays for the team in the Nationals.

Abharan Sudev brought a high level of confidence to his skill set, excelling as a fantastic ball carrier known for his exceptional pace. He maintained excellent control over his dribbling and preferred dynamic positioning off the ball, often moving to higher areas of the pitch to exploit spaces.

During phases of zonal pressing, Majji Ganesh shared rotational duties with MD Raheel, ensuring a fluid and adaptive front-line. Ganesh, in particular, was adept at maintaining strong connections with his teammates, a network that facilitated sustaining attacks further up the central line.

Karthi Selvam, the homegrown talent, has become a standout with his unpredictable gameplay. His movements on the pitch are notoriously hard to track, making him a nightmare for defenders. Whether he’s driving into the circle with a sharp cut from the left or weaving through opponents with his effortless dribbling, Karthi often beats multiple players single-handedly. His skill in creating space in even the deepest pockets of the field makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Moreover, Karthi wants to use the platform given by the Tamil Nadu Dragons to fight for a national team position and play a big role in the upcoming cycle for India in FIH events.

To add more star power to the front-line, Blake Govers is your man. He’s known worldwide in hockey for his skills, which can be summed up in two words: power and precision. Like Iron Man, Govers doesn’t give opponents a chance to breathe.

Marking him is like trying to catch a storm; he’s nearly impossible to pin down. In the blink of an eye, in the smallest of gaps, he unleashes a force that can only be described as cataclysmic, turning tight spaces into scoring opportunities with his raw power. Govers is fantastic at making deflections, executing precise runs, and unleashing devastating tomahawk shots and penalty corners during power plays. His leadership in pressing is tactical, leading NSW Pride to top the scoring charts in Hockey One and clinch multiple titles. Internationally, Govers is a force.

Coaching staff:

Coaching Staff Preview:

Rein Van Eijk brings a wealth of experience to the team. He has managed teams at the grassroots level, coached women’s teams, and served as a technical director across various levels. With experience in both the Dutch and German hockey ecosystems, he has adapted well to build a structured playing style for the team in a methodical way.

He will be assisted by VR Raghunath, one of India’s ace drag flickers and a former star in the Hockey India League, and Charles Dixon, the head coach of Tamil Nadu. Dixon has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing the best talent within the state, playing a key role in developing an exciting team that reached the Nationals final(2022 as a manager) under his supervision.

Gareth Ewing will serve as an analytical coach. He has been accredited as a performance coach with experience in managing the South African Team as both head coach and assistant. Ewing has played a pivotal role in implementing a high-intensity brand of hockey, transforming South Africa into one of the most exciting teams to watch in world hockey.

Goalkeepers: David Harte, Prince Deep Singh, S. Senthamizh Arasu

Defenders: Jip Jansen, Kothajit Singh, Anand Lakra, GM Pruthvi, Moritz Ludwig, Anand Y, Amit Rohidas

Midfielders: Chandan Yadav, Blake Grovers, Thomas Sorsby, Shesha Gowda, Dhilipan M, Arun J, Tom Craig, Mohammed Raheel

Forwards: Karthi Selvam, Uttam Singh, Ganesh Majji, Abharan Sudev, Nathan Ephramus

Fixtures

December 29, 2024 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Soorma Hockey Club

January 3, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers

January 5, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. UP Rudras

January 8, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Team Gonasika

January 10, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers

January 13, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Delhi SG Pipers

January 18, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Hyderabad Toofans

January 25, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Team Gonasika

January 29, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. UP Rudras

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