Fight for redemption of pride today in HHIL second

HHIL MATCH NO.3 PREVIEW: Despite having the world’s most coveted coach, Ric Charlesworth, on its ranks, Mumbai Magicians failed to produce any magic till the end of the last year’S Hockey India League. They had their moments till the last league match was played out but lost out the semifinal slot where four out of five teams moved in.

The same team with Indian coach MK Kaushik, known for his golden win at the 1998 Asian Games, now will today evening engage Barry Dancer’s Jaipee Punjab Warriors.

Punjab Warriors, despite having a colorful international stars such as Jamie Dwyer and Jaap Stockmann, started their campaign this year, again on a losing note.

Delhi Waveriders put it across yesterday in the opening match, with gem of goals emanating from the sticks of local lad Talwinder Singh and Australian import Jason Wilson.

Sunday today therefore all eyes will be on the clash of Punjab Warriors and Mumbai Magicians.

While Indian coach Cedric D’Souza — who has replaced Ajay Kumar Bansal as chief coach — has seen his Delhi Waveriders walk the talk yesterday, giving an impression that Indian coaches, like Bansal last year, will deliver among the comity of celebrated global coaches.

Therefore, Kaushik’s job of lifting the morale of Mumbai Magicians, in a city where his international career flourished, that reached the Moscow Gold, will repair, replenish and redeem the image that was lost last year.

Dabu Mumbai Magicians will depend on the magic of Kaushik, who turned a motley group of youngsters in to Asian Gold medalist with his midas touch.

When the team led by PR Sreejesh, as previous captain Sandeep Singh migrated to Jaipee Punjab Warriors, meet the team in which its former captain was there, there is certainly a classic battle on hand, whose outcome can offer varied scope for interpretation and introspection.

This match of redemption for both teams will be telecast Live by Star TV 20 hrs today.

Don’t miss out.