Indian hockey team’s attack bolstered by Sunil’s return

The return of senior striker SV Sunil from injury has strengthened the Indian men’s hockey team’s attack, fellow forward Ramandeep Singh said on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Sunil was injured during a practice session and didn’t play the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final held between June 20 and July 5 at Antwerp, Belgium. He was replaced by Devender Walmiki in the Indian team.

“With SV Sunil back in the team, it automatically strengthens our front-line where now I think the opponents will have to find ways to stop us. While the attack has to be maintained we even have to earn the crucial penalty corners,” Ramandeep said in a release.

India will be play their first match of the European Tour on Monday against France and Ramandeep feels Indian team needs to improve its game against a side that fought hard before losing 2-3.

“France is a tough team and they have proved that in our last clashed. But we have our strategy ready against them. The target for our match against them is to keep a good possession on the ball and score and not allow opportunities to go a waste.”