New Indian Express: Hockey: India enter final face

Ashim Sunam

BENGALURU: He has crossed 30, and his speed and reflexes are no longer the same. Sardar Singh is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, and questions about his future have become common, especially after being ignored for the HWL final and the New Zealand tour. However, the midfielder has been picked to lead India in the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

With young guns delivering, competition has become tighter in the 33-player core group for the Commonwealth Games. Seniors cannot take their place for granted with CWG, Asian Games and World Cup looming large.

Current coach Sjoerd Marijne is someone who does not mind giving youngsters a chance. Seniors Manpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh and SV Sunil have been rested for Malaysia, with debutants Mandeep Mor, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra taking their place.

“Azlan Shah is perfect for trying new players, like we did in New Zealand. It’s good that three youngsters can make their international debut and experience the game at the highest level. Australia and Argentina are top-class teams, and so is England. It will be a good tournament for them,” said the Dutchman.

The management’s chopping and changing has resulted in lack of clarity regarding India’s best playing XI. As per Sardar, the rotation policy might not be used after Azlan Shah.

“You’ve seen that players have being rotated for some time now. The idea behind that is that there are important tournaments coming up — Asian Games and World Cup — so everyone in the core group should get a chance.

“In my view, Azlan Shah should be the last tournament this year where we rotate. I think the federation has the same view. After this, we can’t try too many players. Those who are performing well will be part of the team henceforth.”

Though young guns might have been roped in, all eyes will be on Sardar . One cannot expect him to play the way he used to six to seven years ago, but the management will keep track of his fitness and performances.

The 31-year-old has been asked to play in different positions. He played as a free defender in the 2017 Asia Cup, and in 2011-12 under Michael Nobbs, Sardar he played as a rover. However, the management has assigned him the role of a midfielder — one that he is accustomed to — for Malaysia, and Sardar is comfortable with that.

“It’s been 10 years and I still don’t know about my favourite position,” quipped the 292-cap veteran. “In 2009-10, I played my best hockey as a free man. Now I have a lot of experience in midfield, so I think that is better.”

Despite uncertainty over his future, Sardar remains positive and understands the need to remain injury free. “I’m doing my best to play for as long as possible. The World Cup and Olympics are there. We need to win medals… if I have to be a part of that, the main thing is to keep myself free of injury and play my best.”

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan B Pathak

Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Mandeep Mor

Midfielders: SK Uthappa, Sardar Singh (Captain), Sumit, Nilakanta Sharma, Simranjeet Singh

Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Ramandeep Singh (Vice-captain), Talwinder Singh, Sumit Kumar (Junior), Shilanand Lakra