On October 14, the second day of the Hockey India League (HIL) Auction, Rajinder was heading back after pumping iron in SAI Bengaluru with teammates Vishnukant Singh and Yogember Rawat when his name was pulled out of the hat. He watched anxiously with his friends while UP Rudras and Hyderabad Toofans engaged in a bidding war for the young midfielder. Rajinders excitement peaked when Hyderabad Toofans finally won the bid, securing him for 23 lakhs and marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.