Sandeep Singh, Rajpal Singh back Dhanraj Pillay

Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh has thrown his weight behind former captain Dhanraj Pillay, who has shown interest in coaching India. With Hockey India not extending the contract of Spaniard Jose Brasa, the national team is without a coach at the moment.

Sandeep said he motivated himself to do well after a poor outing at the World Cup earlier this year. “I had a dry run at the World Cup. My confidence level was down and it affected my game. Many criticised my performance, but I was determined and worked hard during the CWG and Asiad. I am happy to have delivered for the team,” said the drag-flicker, who was in Ahmedabad to take part in a felicitation function.

He felt that despite not having major coaching experience, Pillay’s appointment will help the team. “We all know that he was a terrific player. He was manager at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and also the Asia Cup and was very helpful. I feel we will benefit if he is made the coach,” he said.

While the focus has been around the appointment of Brasa’s successor, what has missed the public glare is that the Indian team is also without a captain. Rajpal Singh had quit immediately after the team’s return from Guangzhou citing ‘humiliation’ from Brasa.

However, he said he would rethink about his decision if Hockey India approaches him.

“I have no problem now. If I am made captain, I am willing to lead India again,” he told DNA. Acknowledging that the team flourished under Brasa’s guidance, Rajpal said that ego issues marred Brasa’s tenure.

“He worked hard and the results are there for everyone to see, but he could not shake off his ego problems and that overshadowed everything else.”