India rests Harmanpreet Singh and other seniors for NZ tour, name Sanjay captain

India have named a youthful 20-member squad for their three-Test tour of New Zealand, with Harmanpreet Singh and several senior stars rested. Sanjay will lead the side as Craig Fulton begins India's transition towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Sanjay will be leading the youngt side in New Zealand (Courtesy: Hockey India)Finally, the Indian hockey transition seems to be ready to take place as the road to the 2028 Olympics begins. The Indian team decided to name a young side with Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and others being rested for the upcoming New Zealand tour.Sanjay will be leading the young side for the three-Test series, which will take place from November 19 to 22. Apart from the defender, Vishnukant Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage are the only two from the victorious Asian Champions Trophy squad to have retained their place in the side.The decision comes after Fulton hinted at making changes to the side after the senior team played the hockey World Cup, Asian Games and ACT in the space of three months.The tour pays tribute to a landmark moment in Indian hockey history, marking 100 years since an Indian Army hockey side led by legendary Major Dhyan Chand travelled to New Zealand in 1926. It was the first-ever overseas tour of New Zealand by an Indian team from any sport. Hockey India's 20-member squad, unveiled on Monday, features a blend of promising Under-21 prospects and players from the existing India A set-up. The tour will offer the youngsters valuable international experience and an opportunity to test themselves against overseas opposition."The squad is a blend of some upcoming under-21 players and the core of the current India A group. These matches come at the right time to challenge the squad in three matches against a solid New Zealand team playing at home," Fulton said.INDIA SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND TOUR Mohith HS, Pawan, Talem Priyobarta, Sanjay (c), Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Sharda Nand Tiwari, Anmol Ekka, Yashdeep Siwach, Angad Bir Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Rabichandra Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rosan Kujur, Venkatesh Kenche, Ajeet Yadav, Uttam Singh, Karthi Selvam, Arshdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh HundalINDIA VS NEW ZEALAND: SCHEDULENov 19, Thursday – 11:00 am ISTNov 21, Saturday – 8:30 am ISTNov 22, Sunday – 6:30 am IST- Ends