India team for Pak series

Lucknow

KEEPING IN mind next year’s Junior World Cup, the Indian hockey team will take on Pakistan in a maiden five-match Test series in Pakistan next month. As many as six new faces have been included in the squad and all the 20 players are expected to get a chance to test their skills as the think tank feels the exposure trip is a good opportunity to try out players before the World Cup, to be held in Malaysia and Singapore in May-June.

The new six faces are Hari Kripal Yadav, Mohd Asif, Mohd Amir, Jai Karan, Karamjit Singh and goalkeeper C. Santosh Kumar. “All the boys are talented and the Test series would be an opportunity for them to get ready for the big event next year,” chief coach, A.K. Bansal, said from Bhopal, where the team’s preparations are on. “The boys have been doing well for the last one year and our success at the Asia Cup in Hyderabad showed the potential of the boys,” said Bansal, adding, “But the emphasis would be on creating a perfect unit for the World Cup.” Goalkeepers: Mrinal Chaubey, C. Santosh Kumar. Defenders: Diwakar Ram (capt), Innocent Kullu, Manjit Kullu, Hari Kripal Yadav. Mid-fielders: B Lakra, Amardeep Ekka, B. Horo, Vivek, RP Singh, Mohd Asif. Forwards: P Kumar, Jagwant Singh, Mandip Antil, Danish Mujtaba, Dharamvir Singh, Jai Karan, Mohd. Amir, Karamjit Singh.