Lead Indian drag-flicker V Raghunath picked his hamstring just before the all important FIH World Hockey League semifinals starting June 20th in Belgium. Raghunath has been India’s leading drag-flicker in recent times. He has scored consistently and developed as an efficient hand in Sardar Singh-led-side.
Raghunath had an brilliant home series against the Japanese side, scoring three goals in four matches and guided India to a 3-0 series win. Not only his drag-flicks, he’s been a live wire in defense and very quick on his feet making combinations through the middle.
But what came as disappointment for Raghunath, can be termed a important lifeline for the fellow Indian defender and a world class drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh. Once a mainstay in the Indian side Rupinder was not included in the first squad announced last month and was shown the door for his poor performance on the field. Coach Paul Van then has opted for V Raghunath as a lone drag-flicker and young Jasjit Singh Khullar for his aggressive defensive work.
Well luck has it say as Rupinderpal is back in the scheme of things again. With Raghunath’s injury and he been the only penalty corner specialist in the original squad, it was supposed to be someone with experience and who better then Rupinder.
Though coach Paul Van has already made it clear Rupinderpal would not be playing in his normal centre position which is now been occupied by Khullar. He might be seen playing in sides as per team demands.
Rupinder on the other hand is happy and simply glad to be back in the squad, “I did not want to come into the team like this. On one hand I am sorry for Raghunath because I only came into the team because he was injured. But I also want to prove that the decision to drop me wasn’t the correct one. I have to prove that I am good enough, I have to be mentally prepared since playing from a different position is difficult. If I miss a penalty corner, it will add to the pressure on me,” he said.
Well it remains to be seen if the lanky defender and drag-flicker can catch on to this opportunity and make merry ways or goes down fighting.