India hockey New Zealand tour: Sanjay to lead young side in Auckland

Hockey India has named a young 20-member men's squad, captained by Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay, for a tour of New Zealand from 15 to 23 November 2026, the federation announced on Monday, 9 November. India will play New Zealand three times in Auckland, on 19, 21 and 22 November. The tour marks 100 years of hockey ties between the two countries, recalling a 1926 visit to New Zealand by an Indian Army hockey team that included Dhyan Chand.

India's senior men's team has a heavy international calendar, and tours like this are where the coaching staff can see younger players under match pressure without risking results in major tournaments. By sending a young side under an experienced Olympic medallist, Hockey India is using the series as a selection trial: a strong showing in Auckland can push players towards the main squad for bigger events.

New Zealand is a useful opponent for that purpose. Playing away, in unfamiliar conditions and at early morning or late evening hours for the travelling side, tests how quickly young players adapt, something India's senior team regularly has to do at world events. A three-match series also gives each player more than one chance to show what they can do.

The centenary gives the tour a historical weight beyond the results. The 1926 Indian Army tour of New Zealand included Dhyan Chand, one of the great names of Indian hockey. Marking that link a hundred years later connects today's young players to the start of India's international hockey story.

For Indian fans, the timings matter: the three games start at 11:00 am, 8:30 am and 6:30 am IST respectively, because Auckland is several hours ahead of India.

Peepals timeline: In 1926, an Indian Army hockey team including Dhyan Chand toured New Zealand. On Monday, 9 November 2026, Hockey India named Sanjay to lead a 20-member squad for a centenary tour. The tour runs from 15 to 23 November 2026, with matches against New Zealand on 19, 21 and 22 November in Auckland.

Short-term: Young players get three international matches against an established side, and the coaching staff gets a direct comparison of them in testing conditions.

Long-term: Players who perform well can press for places in India's main squad, widening the pool the team can draw on in future tournaments. The centenary series also strengthens sporting links between India and New Zealand.

Who is affected: The 20 players selected, India's senior squad members competing for places, the national coaching staff, and hockey fans in both countries.

What to watch next: The first match against New Zealand in Auckland on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at 11:00 am IST.

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