Chetri gives india more attacking options: James

Kabir Mandrekar

Romeo James, the Indian hockey team’s goalkeeping coach, for one doesn’t quite believe in the ‘goalkeeper’s curse’ that is supposed to have haunted the team for the past one year. And he is in full support of the selectors’ decision to have only a single goalkeeper, Bharat Chetri, in the squad for the Commonwealth Games. James believes that though it was a risk, it was one worth taking considering the title at stake and the expected opposition.

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game. We need to move past these things in order to succeed. The risk of him sustaining an injury is what we are taking,” says James.

The fact that the selectors could only pick a 16-member squad for the CWG, compared to the Asian Games—where 18 are allowed — was also one of the reasons for the selectors to opt for the unique combination. James believes the selectors were eventually swayed towards picking an extra attacker on the bench rather than go for a second custodian.

“The opposition teams that we will come up against during the Commonwealth Games are known for their attacking prowess and to match that we will have to strengthen our attack. Since we don’t have the luxury of an 18-member squad, we decided to go for a more attacking option. In addition, we have been training Vikram Pillay and he will be well prepared to deputise Chetri if ever the situation arises,” he says.

Chetri, meanwhile, insists that though there was no pressure on him, he would try to be as cautious as possible during training, but he ensures that will not affect his performance.

“They have taken the decision. Everything depends on me now as I am the lone goalie. I am not harbouring any negative thoughts and worrying about the possibilities of getting injured. I am just going to take one match at a time,” says Chetri.