I am excited to play against Yuvraj says younger brother Devraj Walmiki

Mumbai lad Devaraj Walmiki is in Bhubaneswar these days, practicing hard day and night for the upcoming Hockey India League. Representing debut team Kalinga Lancers in the second season of Hockey India League (HIL), the young player will have to shoulder major responsibility for his franchisee.

Chatting after the team’s first practice session at Kalinga Stadium, he shares his view on HIL and playing against his elder brother Yuvraj Walmiki.

You debut in the HIL along with your team Kalinga Lancers in the second edition of HIL.

What are your impressions about the team?

I am very happy to be part of the Hockey India League. Kalinga Lancers is the 6th team in the league. It is good to be a part of it. Our first match is on 28th and we have begun preparations for it. Hopefully we will perform well.

Your elder brother Yuvraj Walmiki is a part of the Delhi Waveriders team. He even played for them last year. Did you not prefer playing for the Delhi team alongside your brother?

Getting into teams depends entirely upon auction. Of course, it would have been a matter of pride to play alongside my brother. But, it has nothing to do on field. I am in the Kalinga team and my focus is only on it.

You have been training with the junior team for sometime now, but you couldn’t make it to the Junior World Cup held in December. Do you think HIL might be an advantage for you to re-enter the team?

It will be a huge advantage. Playing against the top players and the world stars will be a good lesson for me. Also, Terry Walsh, the national team coach will be training us. It is a great feeling to play under his guidance.

Indian team will be facing England in a few hours from now in the World Hockey League. Yuvraj is in the team after a long time.

I am excited about Yuvraj making it in the team after long. He is back because of his hard work. We all are happy. I wish the team all the best for their match.

When Kalinga Lancers meet Delhi Waveriders, is it going to be a KL vs DW or Devendar vs Yuvraj?

For me it will be Kalinga vs Delhi. Hockey is a team game. I am quite excited to play against him and we will beat them. (smiles)