Raghunath, Vikas replace Sandeep, Sardara

Drag-flicker V Raghunath and mid-fielder Vikas Kumar were today roped in place of Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh in the squad for the Asian Champions Trophy after the two senior players abruptly left the national camp, currently underway in Bangalore.

Sandeep and Sardara, who made their way into the team for the Asian Champions Trophy, left chief coach Michael Nobbs and his support staff in a tizzy with their sudden decision to leave the camp yesterday, reportedly due to an argument with the team management.

No sooner that happened, Hockey India selection committee had replaced the rebel duo with standbys Raghunath and Vikas.

“I don’t know whose permission they have taken before leaving the camp. But with just days to go before the team’s departure for China for the Asian Champions Trophy, they have been automatically replaced by Raghunath and Vikas in the squad,” Hockey India selector AB Subbiah told PTI.

“It’s an unfortunate situation. It’s pity to see that they don’t give priority to national duty.” Incidentally, both the players cited personal reasons for leaving the camp. However, it was learnt that both Sardara and Sandeep does not have good equation with the team management and other players, which the latter blatantly refused.

“I don’t have any issues with the coach (Nobbs) or any other member of the team management. I left because I have some presing family issues which I need to attend,” Sandeep said.

“I took the coach’s permission before leaving. Even I consulted HI secretary general Narinder Batra who asked me to take coach’s permission.”

Hockey India set to take action

Hockey India’s general secretary Narender Batra today said they are planning to take strong disciplinary action against Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh for abruptly leaving the national camp, currently underway in Bangalore.

The two controversial players, who made their way into the team for the Asian Champions Trophy, left chief coach Michael Nobbs and his support staff in a tizzy with their sudden decision to leave the camp yesterday, reportedly due to an argument with the team management.

“We won’t take this matter lightly. It is a serious disciplinary issue because it is the third time they have repeated such an offence. I will call a meeting of the disciplinary committee on August 26 or 27 to discuss this issue,” Batra told PTI.