Kalinga need to win not just hearts but matches too
Being the one of the most talked about team in Hockey India League 2014, Kalinga Lancers has been able to retain the craze to some extent after an impressive run in this edition. Despite the losses, their performance graph has grown with every passing match.
The Lancers had a rusty start with their first two matches being completely taken away under their nose. However, they grew, started taking chances, making good moves and eventually giving top teams a run for victory.
Hockey stalwarts hailed them giving excuse that they had just debuted and required time to settle in the format. They were believed to make a surprise comeback and make a mark for themselves. But, after 6 matches, the team still looks unprepared, committing errors and not playing to their projected potential.
Owing the fact that they are a new team or having less big names is no reason to justify their losses. Last year, Ranchi Rhinos was one of the teams with less star players but it went on to create its own niche and eventually win the inaugural season. In fact, it created new players in the likes of Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, who became stars overnight.
Kalinga also has a young brigade with players like Lalit Upadhaya and Dipson Tirkey who look promising on field, especially Lalit, who has often ventured into the rival’s territory all by himself and given a tough time to the defenders.
In terms of coaching, perhaps, Kalinga has one of the best brains. From the national chief coach Terry Walsh, who is known for his expert strategies, to assistant coach Ajay Bansal who ensured Delhi Waveriders a dream run and a finalist berth in HIL last year, Kalinga also has former Indian captain and one of world’s best defenders Dilip Tirkey in the form of mentor. With inputs coming from yesteryear star Lajrus Barla, it clearly seems that the team has not been able to utilize its true strength.
Plus, the crowd support. When Ranchi hosted its team last year, the crowd was in full support and cheered for their team till the last battle. In fact, the crowd were right there on their toes for them team when they met the unbeatable Delhi in the finals and clinched history.
Same goes for the Kalinga team; the home crowd is fantastic with people from not just the capital city Bhubaneswar turning up, but also hockey fanatics from all over the state ensuring their presence and cheering for their team.
So, Kalinga has all the potential and qualities for a winning streak. By now, they have surely won hearts of their fans but now is the time for them to trust themselves and win matches also.