Gurwinder Singh Chandi: He can make a difference

India in the run up to the Olympic Qualifier was in a desparete need to organize five matches, and that was how the South Africa Test Series was planned and executed in Feb 2012. What this has to do with Gurwinder Chandi?

A lot.

He was banned for five international matches sequel to Busselton madness. India wanted to cancel his over-acted five match suspension, and it was meticulously done with 5-match SA test series. You can as well say Feb South Africa Series ans Rescue Mission for Chandi.

That is what he counts in the contemporary scene. Michael Nobbs rates him high, after testing half a dozen forwards. Then came the injury of him, and then timely return despite missing Malaysia sojourn.

The talented striker is coming back from a hamstring injury but having recovered completely, is a key asset in the current team’s philosophy that looks to score more and more goals.

If the management accords such importance to Chandi it was nothing unexpected, as Chandi can make a difference on his day.

Born October 20, 1989 in Jalandhar, Chandi made his senior India debut during the Australia 4-Nations tour in 2008 immediately after the Olympic qualifier disaster. Since then, however, it’s been a long road for the youngster who almost did not make it to the London Olympics squad. But his performance during the two day trials was impressive enough for coach Michael Nobbs to include him in the final 16.

With the ability to both tackle and re-tackle, Chandi is one of the key forwards Nobbs would be relying on at London. Having been with various junior India teams for almost three years, Chandi scored three goals on his maiden tour of Australia in 2008, where coach Joaquim Carvalho played him in all the eight games. He then flew directly to Ipoh, Malaysia, for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where India won silver, and then again in 2009 when the team won gold.

Gurwinder was also named one of the standby players for the Punjab Gold Cup in 2009. In fact, he has often been included as a standby, finally getting a chance to prove his credentials only during the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. With his speedy runs and his ability to get past opposition defenders especially in on-on-one situations, Chandi is a skillful and useful player.

He is also one of the most disciplined players on field. Rarely has he been booked for a foul or warned for misbehaviour by an umpire. At the same time, he is humble and modest off field, preferring to let his stick do the talking. Chandi is also one of the hardest working players in the team, a delight for the trainers and coaches alike. Even though he doesn’t look too tough, Chandi’s lithe frame helps him move fast and dodge past rivals easily.

Chandi is currently employed with Punjab & Sind Bank.