India to play six hockey Tests in New Zealand

While the first two matches will be against New Zealand A, the last four will be against the Kiwis senior team. Matches will be played in Auckland, Nelson and Christchurch.

Indian men, currently in a preparatory camp in New Delhi, had a successful European tour in August where they notched up wins against France and Spain.

“The series was planned keeping in mind the upcoming important tournaments that are lined up for the Indian team,” Hockey India secretary-general Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said.

“Series like this will help our team to understand the continuing changing game style of the opposition and this helps us to further work on our strategies. The team is very excited and is looking forward to continue their good form in the series.”

The matches will be played on Oct 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11.

India squad: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh (vice-captain), Harjot Singh; Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, VR Raghunath, Jasjit Singh Kular, Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjinder Singh; Mid-fielders: Sardar Singh (captain), Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa, Satbir Singh, Devinder Walmiki, Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh; Forwards: SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Nikkin Thimmaiah.