`Bob’ comes into own as senior

Harpreet Kaur Lamba

New Delhi: In the last two years, drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh has bided his time on the sidelines. With senior penalty corner specialists Sandeep Singh and V.R.Raghunath doing well for India and almost a certainty in the playing XI, the 6 feet 4 inch tall Rupinderpal did all he could to brush up his skills — both in defence and on drag-flicks.

In between, he made the most of whatever chances that came his way.

“That was a learning period for me. Sandeep has always been the country’s best and I have learnt a lot from him,” says Rupinderpal, who was drafted as a regular member following Sandeep’s below par show at the 2012 London Games.

That the two have always been close friends did not affect their on-field competition. “I am enjoying my new role. It is good when people place their trust in you and you prove them right. Now, everyone looks up to me as a senior defender in the national team and expectations are high.

“Sandeep might not be there in the team right now, but he can always be back. For me, that is a positive and keeps me motivated. I know everyone is watching how I will fare in his absence and it could decide my future,” said the Faridkot based Rupinderpal, known as ‘Bob’ to team mates and family.

“But rather than worry about it, I plan to be positive and give my best.” In the last few years, India have seen dependable drag-flickers in the form of Sandeep and Raghunath, but the performance has never been backed by solid defensive work.

“True,” said Rupinderpal.

“One has to be a complete player in modern hockey and the defence bit cannot be overlooked.

“For me, that is my-single minded focus. Defence is one part of the game that I am working hard on and take regular advice from (former India player) Jugraj Singh on penalty corner variations and tricks,” said the 22-year old who was named the man of the match in India’s 16-0 rout of Fiji in their opening match of World League Round 2 here on Monday.