Shivender returns

Indian team for the Rottardam Hockey World League, announced today by Hockey India, throws some surprises. While Sardar Singh continues to lead the side with VR Raghunath as his deputy, forward Shivender Singh returns to the side after the London Olympics.

While the return of Sandeep Singh, who inches towards cementing his entry after being reinducted for the last Europe tour, is expected for the HWL R3 trip, elevation of 19-year old Mandeep Singh from junior ranks to seniors, is a surprise, though it is within the realm of guess after he was not included for the Indian junior team touring Europe now.

With 7-5-4-2 being the criteria — that is number of forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkpeers – for selection of 18 member team, there is always room for extra defenders, and it is where Sandeep Singh fits in while in-form VR Raghunath and emerging Harbir Singh continues evoke confidence of selectors. And there is no question of sacrificing established names like Rupinder Pal to accommodate the fading star in Sandeep Singh.

With Sardar Singh as ‘Libero’ the midfield is strong. Only change here is return of Birendra Lakra, who missed out Europe tour due to exams. Danish had to be given rest on fitness grounds, which made Birendra Lakra’s return easy. Manpreet Singh, who coach Nobbs uses as a pivot nowadays, Kothajit, whose stature is growing each day, and raw Gurmail Singh completes the midfield.

It seems the whole surprise is stored for the forwards’ sector. After his pathetic form in the London Olympics, Shivender has been condemned, and his inclusion now catches us surprised.

Mandeep Singh is an emerging youngster, and is suddenly catapulted to senior side after questionable entry in the Hockey World League Round 2 where he expectedly could not match his Ranchi Rhinos form.

Now, he is back into the reckoning while much experienced Juniors now trotting out it with peers in the Colts’s Europe tour.
Lanky Nitin Thimmaiah, dynamo in Chinglensana, out of blue Akashdeep Singh complete the forward line.

HWL R3 is a big tournament, as it offers World Cup berths. Indians it seems are still experimenting.

With an unpredictable Sandeep Singh, and returning Shivender Singh, things don’t look nice upfront. Half of the team is fresh faces of 10-20 caps experience. It seems Yuvraj Walmiki fails to impress the coaches, and is out with rotation of players in the offing.

On the other hand, form of captain and his deputy, the strong midfield restore some confidence in the team.

Indian Team

Goalkeepers

1. P R Sreejesh

2. P T Rao

Defenders

3. VR Raghunath (Vice-Captain)

4. Sandeep Singh

5. Rupinder Pal Singh

6. Harbir Singh Sandhu

Midfielders:

7. Birendra Lakra

8. Sardar Singh (Captain)

9. Manpreet Singh

10. Kothajit Singh

11. Gurmail Singh

Forwards

12. SV Sunil

13. Shivendra Singh

14. Chinglensana Singh

15. Nithin Thimmaiah

16. Dharamvir Singh

17. Akashdeep Singh

18. Mandeep Singh