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Rusty India begin Argentina tour

By Sandeep Narayan in New Delhi

With anew captain and some old hands, the hockey side is anxious to perform well in the four Tests

HE sat in the corner looking relaxed, checking text messages on his phone. The rest of the members of the Indian hockey team were scurrying all over the place collecting their stuff before their flight to Argentina.

“ It’s a 32- hour flight and that too not direct so I thought I would conserve my energy before the tiring journey,” said Deepak Thakur who has returned to the senior team after being left out for over a year.

He, like many senior players, were either ignored or told to leave by the previous administration.

Deepak was in prime form when he was dropped – he was one of the best performers at the Premier Hockey League in 2006.

HARDSHIP AHEAD

The excitement of returning to the fold was not visible on their faces, showing that Indian hockey has a tough road ahead.

“ It was tough during those times, but you know me, I rarely get tense over these things. I was playing hockey then and I am playing hockey now. But yes, I do think that certain things have gotten better,” Deepak told MAIL TODAY before the team left for Argentina to play a four- match Test series.

He then shouts out a set of instructions to Sandeep Singh which quashes some questions about the senior players not being happy with Sandeep’s appointment as the new captain.

“ The captain’s role in hockey is probably the least as compared to other sports and frankly it’s a major team effort rather a one- man show. So I doubt there will be any problems in my team,” said chief coach Harendra Singh.

BITTERSWEET FEELING

Former captain and one of India’s best fullbacks, Dilip Tirkey said the thought of playing after almost a year that was both exciting and worrisome.

“ It’s been around eight to nine months since we last played an international tournament and the thought is a bit scary. I’m happy that we are finally getting back on track but I am a little fearful as we might be a bit rusty.

The camp was good but it all comes down what we do on the field,” said Tirkey.

“ The Argentines are a tough team to beat but we have a lot of young talent in the squad this time and I’m sure they will be excited about the prospect of playing against a formidable side,” Tirkey added.

HEAT ON SENIORS

Tirkey’s statement meant that other seniors of the team like Prabhjot Singh, Tushar Khandker and Rajpal Singh may face added pressure and seeing how the selection committee will monitor this series closely, many will fear the axe for under- performing.

However, most of them felt that the special conditioning camp in Bhopal has taken a lot of pressure off their backs. The team will play the four Tests on January 18, 19, 21 and 22.

“ I was the highest scorer in the country last year and I don’t think the selectors will ignore our past performances that quickly,” said Prabhjot.

“ Facing Argentina at home is not easy. They are a tough side and will be eager to beat us. My players in the side may not be as confident as they were and if they can change all this into something positive, I will be more than happy,” Harendra said.

Courtesy: Today Mail