Sardar & Co. out to tackle world’s best in the world hockey league finals

New Delhi: Another year, another big test for the India team. This time at home against the best in the world.

The Hero Hockey World League Finals, which will see the hosts take on the top seven nations, offer participating sides a chance to fine tune themselves ahead of the 2014 FIH World Cup, which will be held in Holland later this year. It will also decide the seedings for the World Cup.

For the youngsters in the India squad, the January 10 to 18 tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium is a chance to get a taste of life at the top level apart from being an opportunity to redeem some of the pride which was lost at the junior World Cup at the very same venue last month.

Performances at world level events over the past couple of years have not been too encouraging for the men in blue which led to former chief coach Michael Nobbs being shown the door a few months ago.

It will be a big test for current incumbent Terry Walsh and high performance director Roelant Oltmans who will be heading into their first assignment with the India squad.

The draw has not been kind to the hosts as they have been placed in the tough Pool A with Germany, England and New Zealand. Added to this will be the pressure of performing in front their home crowd.

Despite this, there is no shortage of confidence and morale among the players is high. Inspirational captain Sardar Singh has stated that his boys are aiming to finish among the top five. While some may doubt their ability to achieve that goal, the team will need all the confidence and positive attitude they can muster.

Plagued by injuries to key players, India will field a new-look team. Forwards S.V. Sunil and Yuvraj Walmiki have made comebacks after sitting out for close to a year. They will share the goal scoring duties with youngsters like Mandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Affan Yousuf.

P.R. Sreejesh will be the first choice goalkeeper while debutant Harjot Singh will act as his back-up. With Sardar at the helm, the midfield comprising S.K. Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh and M.B. Aiyappa, sports a solid look.

The defence has always been a problem and it remains to be seen how Birendra Lakra, Rupinderpal Singh, V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh and Amit Rohidas live upto the challenge.