Blend of youth and experience gives Indian team balance

By S. Thyagarajan

CHENNAI, NOV. 25. An appropriate blend of the triumphant players from the Junior World Cup with a set of seasoned seniors, gives the 18-member Indian hockey team for the Champions Challenge at Kuala Lumpur from December 7 to 15 a perfect balance that can even be described as formidable. It is difficult to disagree with any aspect of the selection in the circumstances, where only injuries have kept out a few players of renown such as Dilip Tirkey, Dinesh Naik and Baljit Singh Saini.

Striking however is the return of Dhanraj Pillay whose non- selection for the World Cup qualifier at Edinburgh in July was widely debated. Equally exciting is the inclusion of Sabu Varkey whose performance in the last Aslan Shah Cup event evoked allround praise. It is not easy to name another player on the current scene with such a mastery over the forward pass as Sabu.

The focus should be on the juniors who have revived the faith and confidence in the system. The trophy triumph at Hobart in October has clearly brought India among the leading contenders for the senior cup as well. That 10 of the victorious team are part of the 18 for Kuala Lumpur now is a heartening aspect. Gagan Ajit Singh, who led the team at Hobart, and Deepak Thakur, the top scorer with 10 goals, are bound to attract attention and they will, along with Prabjot Singh, have to strive hard to rise up to their reputation. As a whole the frontline is the strongest segement of the squad what with the two battle- scarred Dhillon brother campaigners, Baljit and Daljit, adding their skill and experience.

Sukhbir Singh Gill and Thirumalvalavan should provide the solidity to the defence along with the useful flankmen Bipin Fernandez and Arjun Halappa. Bipin and Arjun are proficient enough to help the frontline also when the situation demands such an action. In the mid-field Vikram Pillay gave a splendid account at the Junior World Cup as did Ignace Tirkey. However, the absence of Bimal Lakra, also in the injured list should be noted.

Kanwalpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Lazarus Barla constitute the deep defence. This may not be the best combination but the fitness factors of Dilip Tirkey and Dinesh Naik forced the selectors to pitch on the next best. Jugraj has acquired an image for himself after a consistently good show in the Junior World Cup and in the earlier Aslan Shah tournament as a penalty corner hitter. He may not as yet be a Sohail Abbas or a Florian Kunz, but this lad from Punjab is the answer to India's prayers for shaping a drag-flicker who can terrorise any goal-keeper.

The importance of goal-keeping needs no exaggeration. If Jude Menezes could show a semblance of athleticism and adeptness then there is nothing to despair when facing teams like Argentina and Belgium.

Cedric D'Souza will be the chief coach assisted by C.R.Kumar.

The team is expected to have a training camp at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium from tomorrow.

The team:

Goal: Jude Menezes and Devesh Chauhan; Full backs: Jugraj Singh, Kanwalpreet Singh and Lazarus Barla; Mid-field: Sukhbir Singh Gill, Ignace Tirkey, Thirumalvalavan, Vikram Pillay, Bipin Fernandez, Arjun Halappa; Forwards: Baljit Singh Dhillon, Sabu Varkey, Dhanraj Pillay, Gagan Ajit Singh, Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot Singh and Daljit Singh Dhillon.

Chief coach: Cedric D'Souza; Assistant coach: Rajinder Singh. Manager: Mr.Chander Shekar; Trainer: Saju Joseph; Doctor: R.K.Jaipal.

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