Bengaluru: In continuing their rotation policy to keep senior stars fresh for the Rio Olympics, the Hockey India selection committee rested skipper Sardar Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh for the Champions Trophy in London from June 10-17.
In the team announced on Tuesday, ace custodian PR Sreejesh will lead the side while striker SV Sunil was named deputy for the forthcoming event where India will face top sides – Germany and Australia.
Following a rotation policy over selecting players, India coach Roelant Oltmans said, “We've rested a few players. There's one moment this year when we all have to peak, and that's in August. If you look at how much these guys have played over the last couple of years, it's time for a break.”
Following the Champions Trophy, the Indian team will play the 6-Nation Tournament in Valencia before completing their preparations for the Olympics in August. “In Valencia, I want all the seniors to be back in the team. So there was no other option than to give them a break right now, which absolutely will help us in August,” added Oltmans.
Seasoned players VR Ragunath, Kothajit Singh, SK Uthappa, Akashdeep Singh are in the squad while Devinder Walmiki, who missed the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament owing to a shoulder injury, has worked his way into the team. “He's fit now, he's training hard, and deserves a chance to show himself and try to get a berth in the Olympics squad,” claimed Oltsman.
Defender Harmanpreet Singh was also retained along with junior players -- Harjeet Singh and goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya – for the crucial tour. On the youngsters making the backline, Sreejesh believes the key to success will be the understanding between him and the defenders. “I think the understanding between the goalkeeper and defence is the most valuable (trait) for us. I can’t be more aggressive. I need to be calm, quiet and guide them (youngsters). If I get aggressive their tempo and confidence will go down, which affects me again,” said Sreejesh.
The 28-year-old admitted that missing Sardar in the middle will make a difference. “I think Manpreet (Singh) and Harjeet (Singh) can solve the issue well. As (the) coach said, seniors need rest before the big tournaments come up so that they can start the test with a fresh mind. Our main target is Brazil so we want to shape up and give opportunity to every player,” he concluded.
Squad: PR Sreejesh (captain), Vikas Dahiya, Pradeep Mor, VR Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, SK Uthappa, Devinder Walmiki, Harjeet Singh, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, SV Sunil (vice-captain), Akashdeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah.
