Rotterdam is real test for Sardar’s class and his leadership

It was late 2006. Leading domestic team Indian Oil Corporation was to play their Senior Nehru Cup in a few hours time. Its new coach Joaquim Carvalho was a in a relaxed mood, sitting on the stands of Shivaji Stadium in New Delhi. His name was floating in the air as, as usual, just a big disaster had happened for Indian national team on the international circuit; reigning coach Rajinder Singh Jr. was not even traceable to the Indian Hockey Federation. He was half-hearted to continue, as players, in his own words, were not sensible.

“What will be top in your mind if you are asked to coach Indian team? I asked him to probe Joaquim’s mind.

“Selection of players”, Pat came reply.

“ There are no match winners, fighters in the present team. I will, for instance, take Bharat Chhikara and Sardar Singh, and will turn both of them another Dhanraj Pillay of India”, former midfielder did not waste a second to reply in his assertive Bombaite style.

This conversion flashes across the mind as ‘Another Dhanraj Pillay’ leads India to a crucial World Cup Qualifier, which commences tomorrow at Rotterdam in The Netherlands.

Six to seven years down the line from the above conversation, much had happened. But one sparked. Sardar Singh grew, he has earned a name and fame for him.

A couple of years ago, even as the likes of Gagan Ajit and Deepak Thakur were the stars on the turf, no one would have predicted the kind of name Sardar would get.

Whether he is now ‘Another Dhanraj’ or not is a subjective matter, but what is sure is he is numero uno of contemporary Indian players.

A byword for fitness and gentlemanliness, he combined sports with his persona to carve niche for himself not only in the Indian arena, but also across the globe.

He now leads a team that had some exciting players — like Manpreet Singh whom we can easily describe as Chhota Sardar – as he oozes enormous traits of his captain — and equally experienced hands as that of him.

Sardar Singh in his prime time making, stardom spell, that is last two years, that incidentally coincided with the exit of Jose Brasa, was lucky to have somewhat easy tournaments except the last Olympics.

Return to Olympic fold in a different environ had helped him build his charisma.

Time and circumstance were extremely favourble for Sardar to derive his stardom, but now its another time, ideal time to prove that he is not only a star performer in a team of losers, but also a leader who can steer from top his team to success .

Azlan Shah Cups, Asia Cups, Asian Champions Trophies and the likes, which really count for Indian hockey and with that its star players, but what Indian hockey needs at this juncture – where our hockey is considered money bags, turns the world with its innovation Hockey India League – is real wins that count, real performance that will lift Indian hockey from mediocrity.

Semifinal League of HWL is a big stage. The format is just like the Champions Trophy but the reward for good show is, fame at home and ticket to the Hague, where in less than a year, the World Cup will be staged.

Sardar is a star performer, but it is yet to be concluded is he a match winner or turned `Another Dhanraj’ which hardly make any sense to us unless the Team India win.

It is therefore his prime responsibility now to see his wards pool their best, and he helps them energise and enterprise to their full potential at Rotterdam where no team who travelled thus far is weak or light.

Next World Cup is India’s target now. Either it has to finish third here, or later go on to win the Asia Cup for their road to The Hague. Pushed to corner it can count on HWL Finals, but that is total risky.

Therefore, the nation expects India to go for the kill now, as other chances will become critical and tougher if India does not ensure a berth through Rotterdam, a tall order but a team led by such a tall player as Sardar can scale up to.

This is the situation in which Sardar is ensconced now, let us see what will be in store for us in the current fortnight.

But here is one man whom we believe will not belie our hopes.
Come on Sardar, its your time.

Rotterdam is real test for Sardar’s class and leadership.

Note 1: Bharat Chhikara, second only to Sardar in terms of physical fitness and contribution to success, was not wile and guile enough to sense which side the wind blows. Bharat’s great career was curtailed due to IHF-HI politics.

Note 2: Sardar was indebted to Joaquim for giving him break; willingly had foregone a tournament because of WSH loyalty which Joaquim advocated, but was bullied by the other side, which proved goldmine-turning point of his career.