Hosts India are looking to win the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Here's their full 18-man squad, led by Manpreet Singh.
PR Sreejesh (Goalkeeper, jersey number 16)
Injuries and age are slowing him down, but he still remains one of India's key players. If they are to win knockout games, they need his reflexes working at an optimum level.
Krishan Pathak (Goalkeeper, #19)
Backup goalkeeper who was second choice behind Vikas Dahiya in the junior World Cup win two years ago. Hasn't had enough competition at the international level under pressure.
Harmanpreet Singh (defender, #1)
Defending is still a bit suspect, but his drag flicks make him a big asset. Also sets up attacks with his well-directed overhead passes.
Varun Kumar (defender, #22)
A Cristiano Ronaldo fan with a celebration to match. His penalty corner expertise starred in the junior World Cup win, and will be handy again in Rupinder Pal Singh's absence.
Kothajit Singh (defender, #5)
When the rest of the team goes up in attack, expect Kothajit to stand firm in defence. Rarely loses possession, and is one of the toughest tacklers the opposition will face.
Surender Kumar (defender, #6)
Hardworking defender who can operate on either flank with ease. His crash balls from the edges will keep his forwards in the game.
Amit Rohidas (defender, #30)
Odisha's own pride and joy. Defending ability aside, offers India another option when looking for drag flicks.
Birendra Lakra (defender, #28)
The other, bigger local hero. Tends to blow hot and cold though, with the knack for picking up both injuries and cards out of the blue.
Manpreet Singh (midfielder, #7)
The captain, and the heartbeat of the side. If there's a tackle to be won, a defence-splitting pass to be made, the opposition to run at, a set-piece defended or taken - Manpreet is your man.
Chinglensana Singh (midfielder, #29)
A tireless box-to-box worker who has shown an ability to dink drag flicks into opposition goal in recent matches. If Manpreet provides heart to the midfield, Chinglensana brings the lungs.
Sumit (midfielder, #17)
Another junior World Cup winner under Harendra Singh. Has good skills on the ball when driving forward, but must check a tendency to play rough when situations become tense.
Nilakanta Sharma (midfielder, #18)
The last of three Manipuris who bring great work rate to the team. One of India's best dribblers who will end up creating numerous openings for his forwardline.
Hardik Singh (midfielder, #8)
Steps into Sardar Singh's shoes, both in terms of position as well as the jersey number he inherits. Had a good outing at the Asian Champions Trophy, where he showed maturity and composure with how he held the ball and played across the pitch.
Lalit Upadhyay (midfielder, #14)
The crucial link between midfield and attack. Will trouble weaker sides with his speed and skills, but can he step up against the big teams?
Akashdeep Singh (forward, #27)
His outrageous skills on the ball will get you off your seats, but he can be equally frustrating with his erratic finishing. Expect him to score at least one spectacular goal in Bhubaneswar.
Mandeep Singh (forward, #11)
Will lead the Indian attack with his intuitive sense of positioning. When Mandeep soars, he takes India with him, but he can also cause them to crash and burn.
Dilpreet Singh (forward, #2)
At 19, the baby of the team, but he already has 36 caps against his name. In the absence of Gurjant Singh, he will have to work in tandem with Mandeep to finish off whatever chances the midfield creates.
Simranjeet Singh (forward, #10)
Will most likely be deputised to play along the wings. Can also operate up front, but that might only happen in patches when any two of Akashdeep, Mandeep and Dilpreet are taking a break.