New Delhi: Three Oriya players, namely Birendra Lakra, Amit Rohidas and Dipsan Tirkey have a found a place in the 18-member Indian team for the upcoming FIH Hockey World League Finals (HWLF) which will start December 1 in Bhubaneswar. The Hockey India (HI) selectors however, have rested veteran Sardar Singh and Ramandeep Singh for the event.
Rupinder Pal Singh along with Lakra makes a comeback to the team. Rupinder returns after a five-month hiatus while Lakra has been in and out of the team after missing the Rio Olympics with a knee injury.
While Rupinder last played for India in the Europe tour before the HWL SemiFinal, Lakra was part of last year’s Asian Champions Trophy and December’s four-nation Australia tour squad before being kept out to regain full fitness. Their return will certainly boost the fragile backline.
Sources, however, indicated that Sardar, who was in the Indian team that won the Asia Cup last month, has been ‘axed’. The exclusion might just mark the end of the former skipper’s illustrious career. A source said that Sardar doesn’t exactly fit into the scheme of things that new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has.
HI selectors have retained Manpreet Singh as the captain while naming Chinglensana Singh as his deputy.
With PR Sreejesh yet to regain match fitness, the Indian goal will be manned by by custodians Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera. The midfield will see SK Uthappa, Kothajit Singh and Sumit join Manpreet and Chinglensana.
The team boasts of a strong forwardline in experienced SVSunil, Akashdeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, who had a promising Asia Cup, Lalit Upadhyay and 22-year-old Mandeep Singh, who also returned after being rested from the Asia Cup.
India coach Sjoerd Marijne said he was happy with the balance of the squad. “I think this is a great mix and would especially like to see how the youngsters soak up the pressure of playing against higher-ranked teams in the world. We will have to play every match like it is the final and will have absolutely no room to make errors if we want to see ourselves on the podium,” Marijne stated.
The coach was particularly delighted to see the return of some senior players, who according to him, will add value to the team. “It is good to have Rupinder, who brings great experience, as well as Birendra back in the team. Both are 100 per cent fit and eager to wear the India colours again,” asserted the 43-year-old Marijne.
“Amit was called-in as a replacement for Kothajit Singh who had a hamstring injury just before we left for the Asia Cup. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” the Dutchman added.
The squad: (Goalkeepers): Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera; (Defenders): Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra; (Midfielders): Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh; (Forwards): SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Gurjant Singh.
Press Trust of India
