A prudent, realistic selection exercise

By S. Thyagarajan

CHENNAI, MAY 6. A grain of realism is discernible in the grouping of players, announced by the Indian Hockey Federation, to complete the competitive agenda for the year.

Undeniably what lies ahead is not only significant in more ways than one, but also is reckoned hectic, given the spread of competitions from next month. Conscious effort has been made to cast the net wide enough to congregate a happy blend of youth and experience. Even in the choice of coaches there is a considerable evidence of deep thinking. The roping in of a veteran like Divnain Singh of Bengal is a case in point.

Genuine optimism prevails in the game's corridors consequent to the splendid start for the year - a victory against Pakistan in the final of the Prime Minister's Gold Cup tournament at Dhaka. The outcome was a shot in the arm after the failure to make the semifinals at Sydney Olympics. The appointment of Cedric D'Souza and the tough series against Germany set the tone for the year.

High on the agenda this year is the World Cup qualifier in Edinburgh from July 17. If only India had survived that tragic minute against Poland at Sydney, the team would have been an automatic qualifier for World Cup as much for the Champions Trophy at Lahore in November.

Whether India would have made it to Lahore is a different point altogether given the Government's perception, at this point of time, of playing Pakistan. It is difficult to visualise anything better than the 26 chosen for the qualifier. The accent is clearly on grooming the youth content which is good enough for the Junior World Cup at Hobart in October.

The omission of Dhanraj Pillay from the probables for Edinburgh however appears striking. Possibly, the concern must have been his fitness. Dhanraj joined the National team straight from Malaysia where he played in the league before Dhaka and it took quite a while for him to shape up to the demands met by the rest, although his presence galvanised the frontline. Minus Baljit Singh Saini, Baljit Singh Dhillon, Thirumalvalavan and Jude Menezes, the rest of the players can be described as young.

The defence looks solid both in the deep and in the mid-field. Goal-keeper Jude Menezes continues to evoke confidence in everyone and consistent performances by Arjun Halappa, Radhakrishnan and Bipin Fernandes deserve commendation. Adding strength to this phalanx are Bimal Lakra and Prakash. It is difficult to think of any another trio for the deep defence other than Tirkey, Dinesh and Barla, but the presence of Jugraj Singh, developing into a dangerous striker in penalty corners, should put the three on their toes.

There is apparent variety in the frontline despite the decision to rest Pillay. The return of Jagan Senthil enhances the striking power of the combination, which should be sharper if Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur live up to their potential.

With the seasoned Dhillon at the helm, the attack can be vibrant if Prabhjot Singh and Daljit add that element of punch. The logic behind persisting with Baljit Singh Chandi, and that too in the frontline is difficult to comprehend.

The selection of a separate group to replace as many as possible for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament that follows within a few days after the World Cup qualifier is also a step in the right direction.

The return of Mukesh Kumar should raise many an eyebrow even if it is the desire of the player concerned. He has been in and out for quite sometime now, and it is time the player decided on his future rather than complicating the work of the selectors.

It is a moot point to know his equations with the chief coach, Cedric, although for the time-being he will be under Divnain and Ripudaman. That he and the previous coach, Basakaran did not see eye to eye on many issues is well known.

The recall of Sabhu Varkey, acknowledged as one of the finest inside forwards, at this juncture does no credit either to the player or to selectors. Left in the limbo for over two years, it would be a Herculean task to rehabilitate this skillful player into the National side.

The only player with a record of continuity among the veterans is Dhanraj Pillay. The IHF should explore the feasibility of his presence for the World Cup qualifier purely as an instrument of morale for the team.

There is no denying that the calendar for the year has been framed with an eye on getting the best from every player. The Test series against New Zealand next month is a litmus test for the young brigade, against a combination which has always been a difficult side to play in home conditions.

Surprisingly, nothing has been said about the Afro- Asian Games in November and the Champions Challenge the month after. Hockey as a competition in the Afro-Asian Games is unlikely to attract many.

The participation of Pakistan and South Korea, at the moment, is in the realm of doubt. Neither Pakistan nor Korea can be expected to skip Champions Trophy for Afro-Asian Games. A second string may be in action but whether Pakistan will participate in the Games is another loaded question. The challenge from Africa also cannot be intense.

The Champion Challenge in New Delhi, which is the inaugural qualifier for Champions Trophy - the winner joining the six for the next edition in 2002 - also hangs in the balance on the question of laying the second pitch near the National Stadium. Although assured by the Government, there is scepticism whether it can fructify, and that too before the end of this year.

There will be not be a dull moment for an enthusiast from next month. And if India manages to stay on the side of victory, as it did in Dhaka in March, it will underscore the efficacy of the scientific and sophisticated approach made by the federation to fine-tune its priorities.

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