Former India hockey captain Manpreet Singh (second from right) was excluded from India's core group. (Photo: Hockey India)Former captain Manpreet Singh was dropped from the 33-member national team core group for next month’s Hockey Pro League. Manpreet, who is a game short of becoming India’s most-capped player, is the most notable omission, along with goalkeeper Krishan Pathak. A senior Hockey India official said the team management is looking to assess young players ahead of a busy season that includes the World Cup in August followed by the Asian Games. Manpreet will be back in the squad for the next national team assignment,” a Hockey India official said.